What do you call a fluid-filled sac that may occur on the body or within the body?

A fluid-filled sac that can develop either on the surface or within the body is referred to as a cyst. Cysts are common and can form in various tissues, serving different functions depending on their location and type. They are typically encapsulated, meaning they have a distinct boundary separating them from the surrounding tissue. This encapsulation can help to protect the fluid inside from the surrounding environment.

Cysts can vary in size and can be filled with different substances, such as plasma, air, or other fluids. They can occur in many areas of the body, including organs, bones, skin, and more. When they are present in internal organs, like the ovaries, they may have specific names, such as ovarian cysts. This specificity highlights that while an ovarian cyst is a type of cyst, the term “cyst” alone broadly encompasses all types regardless of location.

In contrast, hemorrhoids refer specifically to swollen blood vessels in the rectal area and do not describe a fluid-filled sac. Venereal diseases are infections transmitted through sexual contact and do not pertain to cyst formation. Ovarian cysts, while a correct example of a cyst, represent a more specific category under the broader umbrella of cysts. Thus, choosing the term