What term is used for the swelling due to excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues?

The term that describes swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues is "edema." This condition can occur in various parts of the body and is often noticeable in areas such as the feet, ankles, and legs. Edema can result from several factors, including localized injury, inflammation, or systemic issues like heart failure, liver disease, or kidney problems.

Understanding edema is crucial in the medical and mortuary sciences because it can indicate underlying health conditions that may affect both the care of the living and the treatment of the deceased. For instance, recognizing signs of edema in a corpse can provide insights into the individual’s health prior to death, which is important for determining the cause of death or for legal and forensic investigations.

The other terms, while related to fluid accumulation or swelling, have specific meanings. Ascites refers particularly to fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity, lymphedema pertains to swelling due to lymph fluid obstruction, and anasarca describes generalized swelling throughout the entire body. While these conditions also involve fluid imbalance or accumulation, they do not encompass the broader term "edema," which applies to swelling in any tissue throughout the body.