bleeding

bleeding is a topic covered in the Taber's Medical Dictionary.

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(blēd′ing)

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1. The emission of blood, as from an injured vessel.
2. The process of emitting blood, as during hemorrhage or in the procedure of blood letting.
Normally, when blood is exposed to air, it changes to allow fibrin to form. This entangles the cells and forms a blood clot.
SEE: blood coagulation; SEE: coagulation factor; SEE: hemorrhage

Control of Arterial Bleeding
ArteryCourseBone InvolvedSpot to Apply Pressure
For Wounds of the Face
TemporalUpward ½ in (13 mm) in front of earTemporal boneAgainst bony prominence immediately in front of ear or on temple
FacialUpward across jaw diagonallyLower part of lower maxilla1 in (2.5 cm) in front of angle of lower jaw
For Wounds of the Upper Extremity
AxillaryDownward across outer side of armpit to inside of humerusHead of humerusHigh up in armpit against upper part of humerus
BrachialAlong inner side of humerus under edge of biceps muscleShaft of humerusAgainst shaft of humerus by pulling aside and gripping biceps, pressing tips of fingers deep down against bone
For Wounds of the Lower Extremity
FemoralDown thigh from pelvis to knee from a point midway between iliac spine and symphysis pubis to inner side of end of femur at knee jointBrim of pelvisAgainst brim of pelvis, midway between iliac spine and symphysis pubis
Posterior tibialDownward to foot in hollow just behind prominence of inner ankleInner side of tibia, low down above ankleFor wounds in sole of foot, against tibia in center of hollow behind inner ankle

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(blēd′ing)

To hear audio pronunciation of this topic, purchase a subscription or log in.


1. The emission of blood, as from an injured vessel.
2. The process of emitting blood, as during hemorrhage or in the procedure of blood letting.
Normally, when blood is exposed to air, it changes to allow fibrin to form. This entangles the cells and forms a blood clot.
SEE: blood coagulation; SEE: coagulation factor; SEE: hemorrhage

Control of Arterial Bleeding
ArteryCourseBone InvolvedSpot to Apply Pressure
For Wounds of the Face
TemporalUpward ½ in (13 mm) in front of earTemporal boneAgainst bony prominence immediately in front of ear or on temple
FacialUpward across jaw diagonallyLower part of lower maxilla1 in (2.5 cm) in front of angle of lower jaw
For Wounds of the Upper Extremity
AxillaryDownward across outer side of armpit to inside of humerusHead of humerusHigh up in armpit against upper part of humerus
BrachialAlong inner side of humerus under edge of biceps muscleShaft of humerusAgainst shaft of humerus by pulling aside and gripping biceps, pressing tips of fingers deep down against bone
For Wounds of the Lower Extremity
FemoralDown thigh from pelvis to knee from a point midway between iliac spine and symphysis pubis to inner side of end of femur at knee jointBrim of pelvisAgainst brim of pelvis, midway between iliac spine and symphysis pubis
Posterior tibialDownward to foot in hollow just behind prominence of inner ankleInner side of tibia, low down above ankleFor wounds in sole of foot, against tibia in center of hollow behind inner ankle

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