Intensive Care Medicine (ICM) Practice Exam

What are intestinal sounds commonly referred to as?

1. Tympanites

2. Borborygmus

3. Meteorism

4. Motility

The correct answer is: Borborygmus

Intestinal sounds are commonly referred to as borborygmus. This term describes the audible rumbling or gurgling noises made by the movement of fluid and gas in the intestines during the digestive process. Borborygmus occurs as a result of peristalsis, which is the coordinated contractions of the intestinal walls that propel the contents through the gastrointestinal tract. The presence of borborygmus is often noted in clinical assessments as it can indicate normal or abnormal gastrointestinal activity, such as in cases of increased bowel motility, obstruction, or digestive disturbances. Understanding this term is essential for healthcare professionals as it aids in interpreting bowel sounds during examinations and can inform them about the patient's gastrointestinal function. The other terms relate to different aspects of gastrointestinal health. Tympanites refers specifically to the swollen and distended abdomen due to increased gas in the gastrointestinal tract, while meteorism is a term more broadly used to describe excessive gas accumulation. Motility, on the other hand, refers to the overall movement of the digestive tract but does not specifically denote the sounds produced.