What it means
The ending of procedures in which a needle is put into a body space to remove fluid, either to test it or to relieve pressure. thoracentesisthor-uh-sen-TEE-sisA procedure in which a needle is passed through the chest wall to remove fluid or air from the space around a lung.thorac/o chest-centesis puncture to remove fluidFull entry drains the space around the lungs, paracentesis the abdomen, amniocentesisam-nee-oh-sen-TEE-sisA test in which a needle is put through the belly into the uterus to take a sample of amniotic fluid.amni/o amnion (the sac around the fetus)-centesis puncture to remove fluidFull entry the sac around a fetus, and arthrocentesis a joint.
Remember it
Centesis sounds like "sent-a-needle-in".
Related terms
amniocentesis
A test in which a needle is put through the belly into the uterus to take a sample of amniotic fluid.
thoracentesis
A procedure in which a needle is passed through the chest wall to remove fluid or air from the space around a lung.