The full form of mmHg is millimetre(s) of mercury.
Understanding mmHg
mmHg is a unit of pressure. It's defined as the pressure exerted by a column of mercury that is 1 millimetre high. This unit is frequently used in various scientific and medical contexts, particularly for measuring blood pressure.
Key Aspects of mmHg
- Unit of Pressure: mmHg specifically measures pressure.
- Mercury Column: It is based on the height of a column of mercury.
- Medical Usage: It's commonly used in the medical field to measure blood pressure.
Table Summary
| Abbreviation | Full Form | Measurement | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| mmHg | millimetre(s) of mercury | Pressure | Blood pressure measurement, scientific data |
Practical Insights
In the medical field, a blood pressure reading is often given in mmHg. For example, a reading of 120/80 mmHg means the systolic pressure (during heart contraction) is 120 mmHg, and the diastolic pressure (during heart relaxation) is 80 mmHg.
Why Mercury?
Mercury is used because it is a dense liquid that allows for relatively small height differences to represent significant pressure variations. This makes it practical for using in measuring pressure within reasonable sized instruments.
