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Definition of Nasogastric

Nasogastric: Referring to the passage from the nose to the stomach. A nasogastric tube is one that is passed through the nose (via the nasopharynx and esophagus) down into the stomach. The abbreviation for nasogastric is NG. The tube is an NG tube.

"Nasogastric" is a hybrid -- part Latin, part Greek. "Naso-" is a prefix that has to do with the nose and comes from the Latin "nasus" for nose or snout. "Gastric" comes from the Greek "gaster" meaning the paunch or belly. The term "nasogastric" is not ancient but was coined in 1942.

Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=9348
Last Editorial Review: 1/22/2004

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