Barrel chest is used to refer to a rounded protruding chest that looks like a barrel. Barrel chest is not a disease per se, but it might reflect an underlying condition. Barrel chest relates to osteoarthritis, arthritis can harden the joints where the ribs fix to the spine. The ribs become attached in their most extended position. This is what causes the barrel shape of the chest. Barrel chest may also occur when the lungs are chronically overinflated with air, such that the rib cage assumes the extended position. Barrel chest is itself not treated, but the underlying disease emphysema is treated (Dejours, 2006).
Deep tendon reflexes
Deep tendon reflexes refer to a muscle contraction due to a stretch in the muscle tendon. Texts on tendon reflex are used to define the fitness of the spinal cord and the peripheral nervous system. The texts can also be valuable in sensing the presence of a neuromuscular disease. The knee-jerk is the best known form of tendon reflexes. Tendon reflexes are diagnosed by use of physical symptoms. In case of tendon reflex, one recommended treatment is resting. Another way treating this condition is through ice compression (Waller, 2010).
Echocardiogram
Echocardiogram is a cardiology test that makes use of the sound waves to produce a moving picture illustrating the heart. It is also known as cardiac echo or echo. A combination of two and three-dimensional and Doppler ultrasound produces pictures of the heart chambers and valves. The combination can determine the cardiac output, identify inflammation and infection, as well. Also, the combination can measure ejection fractions and identify abnormalities associated with anatomical structures. It is these functions that make echocardiogram an excellent tool for diagnosis and management of the cardiac patient.
References
Waller, P. (2010). Holistic anatomy: An integrative guide to the human body. Berkeley, Calif: North Atlantic Books.
Martini, F. (2012). Visual essentials of anatomy & physiology. San Francisco, Calif: Benjamin Cummings.
Dejours, P. (2006). Respiration. New York: Oxford Univ. Press.
