What term describes the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity?

The term that describes the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity is "Ascites." This condition often arises as a result of various factors, including liver disease (such as cirrhosis), heart failure, or certain cancers. Ascites presents clinically with abdominal swelling and can lead to increased abdominal pressure and discomfort.

Hydrothorax, on the other hand, refers specifically to fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity surrounding the lungs, not the abdominal cavity. Edema is a more general term that refers to swelling caused by fluid retention in tissues throughout the body, which could occur in various locations but is not specific to the abdominal cavity. Hemoperitoneum describes the presence of blood in the peritoneal cavity, specifically, and does not refer to fluid accumulation in a general sense like ascites does. Understanding these distinctions is essential for accurately identifying medical conditions and terms related to fluid accumulation.