Dictionary > Oedema

Oedema

Definition
noun, plural: oedemas or oedemata
The excessive accumulation of fluid, such as in the intercellular tissue spaces
Supplement
Pathological oedema is the accumulation of abnormally large amounts of fluid in the intercellular tissue spaces. It may be due to a disease or venous (or lymphatic) obstruction. It may be demonstrated clinically as a swelling in the body caused by the fluid accumulating in the subcutaneous tissues. It may also be seen in one or more bodily cavities. Oedema may be designated according to the site affected. For instance, ascites pertain to the accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavities. Hydrothorax is oedema in the pleural cavity whereas hydropericardium is oedema in the pericardial sac. Anasarca pertains to the generalized oedema within the subcutaneous tissue.
In humans, pitting (i.e. the applying of pressure to a small area of the skin) is used to determine the presence of cutaneous or peripheral oedema. Oedema is established when an indentation on the skin persists after the pitting. Purtschers disease, Chandler syndrome, Rainbow symptom, Terrys syndrome, eczema, Romanas sign, Haradas syndrome, Extravascular lung water, suffocating gas, Arthus phenomenon, and Miltons disease are just a few of the many diseases that manifest oedema as a symptom.
Oedema also occur in plants, such as in cacti, fuchsias, and succulents. In botany, therefore, it pertains to the excessive accumulation of water in plant tissues resulting in swelling.
Word origin: Greek oidēma, from oidein (to swell)
Variant(s):

  • edema (American English)

Related term(s):

  • Menstrual oedema
  • Corneal oedema
  • Nonpitting oedema
  • Oedema glottidis
  • Oedema disease of swine
  • Oedema disease
  • Blue oedema
  • Hereditary angioneurotic oedema
  • Premenstrual oedema
  • Bullous oedema vesicae
  • Pulmonary oedema
  • High altitude pulmonary oedema
  • Salt oedema
  • Cardiac oedema
  • Yangtze oedema
  • Dependent oedema
  • Brawny oedema
  • Solid oedema
  • High altitude cerebral oedema
  • oedematous (or edematous) (adjective)


  • You will also like...

    running freshwater community
    Running Water Freshwater Community Factors

    This tutorial noted some of the physical and chemical factors that provide the framework of a running water community in..

    Birth Control and Contraception
    Birth Control and Contraception

    Different pregnancy and birth control and contraception strategies are described. Read this tutorial to learn each of th..

    New Zealand - Biodiversity fauna
    New Zealand’s Biodiversity

    Find out more about New Zealand's unique biodiversity by exploring a range of different ecosystems and the key role of s..

    Gibberellins and Gibberellic Acid
    Gibberellins and Gibberellic Acid

    This tutorial describes the role of gibberellin family in plants. Find out the effects of gibberellin on plant growth an..

    Population Growth and Survivorship
    Population Growth and Survivorship

    This lesson looks at population attributes, regulation, and growth. It also covers population genetics, particularly gen..

    Biological Viruses
    Biological Viruses

    Viruses possess both living and non-living characteristics. This unique feature distinguishes them from other organisms...

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics