Final answer:
Edema is the medical term used to describe swelling due to the accumulation of excess fluid in the body's tissues. It is most commonly seen in the extremities and can be caused by various factors such as underlying medical conditions, drugs, pregnancy, injury, or allergies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Edema is the medical term used to describe the swelling caused by the accumulation of excess fluid in the body's tissues. It is most commonly seen in the soft tissues of the extremities. The main cause of edema is the leakage of water from blood capillaries. Edema can be caused by various factors such as underlying medical conditions, certain drugs, pregnancy, injury, or allergic reactions.
One way to check for edema in a limb is to press a finger into the suspected area. If the depression persists for several seconds after removing the finger, it is called 'pitting' and is a sign of edema.