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Valsalva maneuver

Val·sal·va ma·neu·ver [ val sálvə mə nvər ]


noun 
Definition:
 
1. forcing of air into middle ear: the action of attempting to breathe out when the mouth is closed and the nostrils are held shut, thereby forcing air into the middle ear via the eustachian tubes

2. increasing of pressure in thoracic cavity: the action of attempting to breathe out against a closed glottis, which increases pressure in the thoracic cavity and hinders the return of venous blood to the heart

[After Antonio Maria Valsalva (1666-1723), Italian anatomist]
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