Final answer:
The term myotomy means incision of 3) a muscle.
Step-by-step explanation:
Myotomy is a surgical procedure in which a muscle is cut or divided to relieve conditions such as muscle spasms or contractures. It is commonly performed in the treatment of conditions such as achalasia, a disorder that affects the esophagus, and hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, a condition that affects infants.
During a myotomy, a small incision is made in the targeted muscle, allowing the surgeon to access the underlying tissue. The muscle is then carefully divided to release tension or improve muscle function.
One example of a myotomy procedure is Heller myotomy, which is used to treat achalasia. In this procedure, the muscles of the lower esophageal sphincter are cut to allow food and liquid to pass through more easily. Another example is pyloromyotomy, which is performed to treat hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. In this procedure, the muscles of the pylorus, a valve that controls the flow of food from the stomach to the small intestine, are divided to relieve the obstruction.
In conclusion, myotomy refers to the incision of a muscle. It is a surgical procedure used to relieve conditions such as muscle spasms or contractures. Examples of myotomy procedures include Heller myotomy and pyloromyotomy. The correct answer is 3) a muscle.