Define melena.
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the definition of the medical term 'melena', which refers to the passing of black, tarry stools due to the presence of digested blood. It is often indicative of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Answer
The medical term for the black, tarry stool that comes from bleeding in your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
The final answer is the medical term for the black, tarry stool that comes from bleeding in your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is the medical term for the black, tarry stool that comes from bleeding in your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
More Information
Melena indicates older blood in the stool and is commonly associated with upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing melena with hematochezia, which refers to fresh blood in the stool, typically from lower GI tract bleeding.
Sources
- Melena | Cleveland Clinic - my.clevelandclinic.org
- Melena Definition & Meaning | Merriam-Webster Medical - merriam-webster.com
- Melena - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics - sciencedirect.com
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