Sign In



Remember Me

MedlinePlus®

A service of the National Library of Medicine.

Resource Library


Powered by Dorland's Medical Dictionary for Healthcare Consumers
 

This information is provided by an independent source. Merck & Co., Inc. is not responsible for this content. Please discuss any and all treatment options with your healthcare professional. The manufacturer of a product generally has the most complete information about that product.
 
Return to Main Index >> How to Use  
 


Dorland Logo
A |  B |  C |  D |  E |  F |  G |  H |  I |  J |  K |  L |  M |  N |  O |  P |  Q |  R |  S |  T |  U |  V |  W |  X |  Y |  Z

 
pectus (pekĀ“tәs)   thorax.
 

pectus carinatum  a malformation of the chest wall in which the sternum is abnormally prominent; in severe cases, the deformity may interfere with lung and heart action, causing dyspnea on exercise and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. Called also pigeon breast or chest and chicken breast.

pectus excavatum  a congenital malformation of the chest wall characterized by a funnel-shaped depression with its apex over the lower end of the sternum; it is caused by shortening of the central portion of the diaphragm, which pulls the sternum inwards when the person inhales. Persons with this condition often have difficulty doing sustained exercise, recovering from coughs and colds, and eating a full meal (so that they may be underweight). Many have heart murmurs and breathe noisily during sleep. Called also funnel breast or chest and koilosternia.





Elsevier Logo
Copyright 2007. An Elsevier publication. All rights reserved.
Click here for important legal information about Dorland's Medical Dictionary.

 
 
    Print This Page   Add To My Folder