Which term means abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity?

Which term means abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity?

• A. Hemorrhoids
• B. Embolism
• C. Erythrocyte
• D. Ascites

Answer: (D)

Abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity is ascites. The peritoneal space normally has just a small amount of lubricating fluid; when fluid balance is disrupted—such as from liver cirrhosis with portal hypertension, low albumin, kidney issues, or peritoneal inflammation—the fluid leaks in and collects, producing ascites. This condition is commonly linked to liver disease, heart failure, or abdominal cancers. The other terms refer to different things: hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus, an embolism is a blockage in a blood vessel, and an erythrocyte is a red blood cell.

Abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity is ascites. The peritoneal space normally has just a small amount of lubricating fluid; when fluid balance is disrupted—such as from liver cirrhosis with portal hypertension, low albumin, kidney issues, or peritoneal inflammation—the fluid leaks in and collects, producing ascites. This condition is commonly linked to liver disease, heart failure, or abdominal cancers. The other terms refer to different things: hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus, an embolism is a blockage in a blood vessel, and an erythrocyte is a red blood cell.