How Do You Spell VENTRICULAR PLATEAU?

1. Ventricular plateau refers to a phase or period of sustained depolarization or elevated voltage that occurs in the ventricular muscle cells during an action potential. This plateau phase is a characteristic feature of cardiac muscle cells, specifically those of the ventricles, which are responsible for pumping blood out of the heart.

   During an action potential in ventricular muscle cells, there is a rapid depolarization phase, followed by a brief repolarization, and then a plateau phase. The ventricular plateau phase is characterized by a sustained depolarization of the cell membrane, which causes the ventricular muscle cells to remain in a partially contracted state for an extended period of time. This sustained contraction helps to maintain the force of contraction in the ventricles, allowing for effective ejection of blood from the heart.

   The ventricular plateau phase is primarily controlled by the movement of ions across the cell membrane, namely calcium influx and potassium efflux. The influx of calcium counteracts the outflow of potassium, resulting in a balance between depolarizing and repolarizing currents, which sustains the plateau phase.

   The ventricular plateau phase is crucial for the proper functioning of the heart, as it allows for coordinated contraction and efficient pumping of blood throughout the body. Any disruptions or abnormalities in the duration or magnitude of the ventricular plateau phase can lead to cardiac rhythm disturbances or arrhythmias, which can have severe consequences on cardiovascular health.

2. A level portion of the intraventricular blood-pressure curve, representing graphically the maintenance of contraction of the ventricle.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for VENTRICULAR PLATEAU

The etymology of the word "ventricular plateau" can be broken down as follows:

1. Ventricular: The term "ventricular" comes from the Latin word "ventriculus", meaning "small stomach" or "cavity". In anatomy and physiology, it specifically refers to the two lower chambers of the heart, the left and right ventricles.

2. Plateau: The word "plateau" originates from the French word "plateau", meaning "table" or "flat surface". It refers to a relatively flat and elevated area of land.

When combined, "ventricular plateau" refers to a steady or sustained phase in the cardiac cycle where the ventricles contract and pump blood, maintaining a relatively constant level of pressure. This term is used in cardiology to describe a specific period in the heart's electrical and mechanical activity.