Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

What is the term for a condition characterized by the herniation of the intestine through the abdominal wall?

1. Hernia

2. Visceroptosis

3. Coiling

4. Enterocele

The correct answer is: Enterocele

The term that accurately describes a condition characterized by the herniation of the intestine through the abdominal wall is hernia. A hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue squeezes through a weak spot in a surrounding muscle or connective tissue. In the case of abdominal hernias, portions of the intestine can protrude through areas of weakness in the abdominal wall, leading to potential complications if not treated. Visceroptosis refers to the abnormal downward displacement of the abdominal organs, but it does not specifically denote herniation through the wall. Coiling is not a recognized medical term that describes a hernia or an associated condition. Enterocele, while it involves the herniation of the intestine, specifically refers to the herniation of intestinal contents into the vaginal canal, typically occurring in females. Thus, the accurate term for the condition involving herniation through the abdominal wall is hernia.