phrenic

views updated

phrenic (fren-ik) adj.
1. relating to the mind.

2. relating to the diaphragm. p. crush

1. damage to the phrenic nerve as a result of trauma.

2. surgical crushing of a portion of the phrenic nerve, paralysing part of the diaphragm, which is then pushed upwards and presses on the lung, partially collapsing it: formerly used in the treatment of tuberculosis. p. nerve the nerve that supplies the muscles of the diaphragm. On each side it arises in the neck and passes downwards between the lungs and the heart.