Definitions
- Referring to the expansion or widening of a body part, such as blood vessels, pupils, or the cervix during childbirth. - Describing the process of stretching or enlarging a narrow passage or opening in the body, such as the esophagus or urethra. - Talking about the increase in size or volume of an organ or tissue due to disease or injury.
- Referring to the swelling or bloating of a body part, such as the abdomen, due to excess fluid or gas. - Describing the enlargement or expansion of a hollow organ, such as the stomach or bladder, due to accumulation of contents. - Talking about the stretching or swelling of tissues or muscles due to injury or inflammation.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe an increase in size or volume of a body part.
- 2Both words can be used to refer to medical conditions or procedures.
- 3Both words can be used to describe physical sensations or symptoms.
- 4Both words can be used to describe changes in the shape or appearance of a body part.
- 5Both words can be used in medical or scientific contexts.
What is the difference?
- 1Cause: Dilatation is caused by expansion or widening, while distension is caused by swelling or bloating.
- 2Location: Dilatation typically refers to the expansion of narrow passages or openings, while distension typically refers to the enlargement of hollow organs or cavities.
- 3Fluid content: Dilatation does not necessarily involve the accumulation of fluid or gas, while distension often involves the accumulation of fluid or gas.
- 4Medical procedures: Dilatation is often used to describe medical procedures that involve widening or stretching narrow passages, while distension is often used to describe medical conditions that cause swelling or bloating.
- 5Connotation: Dilatation is often associated with a more positive or neutral connotation, while distension can have a negative connotation due to its association with discomfort or medical conditions.
Remember this!
Dilatation and distension are both words that describe an increase in size or volume of a body part. However, the difference between them lies in their cause, location, fluid content, and connotation. Dilatation typically refers to the expansion or widening of narrow passages or openings, while distension typically refers to the swelling or bloating of hollow organs or cavities.
