Which term means abnormal softening of the kidney?
nephromalacia
nephrosclerosis
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct term for the abnormal softening of the kidney is nephromalacia.
Explanation:
- Nephromalacia:
- Nephromalacia is a medical term that refers to the softening of the kidney tissue. The term is derived from two parts: “nephro-,” which means kidney, and “-malacia,” which denotes softening. In nephromalacia, there is a pathological change in the structure of the kidney, where the tissue becomes unusually soft. This condition may be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, injuries, or long-term diseases that affect the kidney’s ability to maintain its usual firmness and function.
- This abnormal softening can affect the kidney’s function and might lead to symptoms such as swelling, pain, or loss of function. The underlying causes could be anything from chronic inflammation to systemic diseases affecting the kidney.
- Nephrosclerosis:
- Nephrosclerosis, on the other hand, refers to the hardening or thickening of the kidney’s blood vessels. It is a condition commonly associated with hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes. The blood vessels within the kidneys become stiff and narrowed, which can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and impair kidney function over time. Nephrosclerosis often leads to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure if left untreated.
- The term “nephro-” again refers to the kidney, while “-sclerosis” comes from the Greek word “scleros,” meaning hardness. So, nephrosclerosis specifically refers to the hardening of kidney structures, particularly the blood vessels, not the softening.
In Summary:
- Nephromalacia is the correct term for abnormal softening of the kidney.
- Nephrosclerosis refers to the hardening of kidney structures, particularly blood vessels.