Angiogenic refers to the formation and development of blood vessels in the body. The word is spelled with three syllables: /æn.dʒi.əˈdʒɛ.nɪk/. The first syllable is pronounced with the vowel sound /æ/ (like in the word "cat"), followed by a combination of consonants in the second syllable /dʒi/ (like in the word "jeep"). The third syllable features the vowel sound /ɛ/ (like in the word "bread") and ends with the consonant sound /nɪk/ (like in the word "nick").
Angiogenic refers to the process or substance that stimulates the growth of new blood vessels called angiogenesis. Angiogenesis plays a crucial role in a variety of physiological and pathological processes such as embryonic development, wound healing, and the formation and spread of tumors. The term angiogenic is commonly used in the field of medicine and biology to describe agents, proteins, or factors that promote the formation of new blood vessels.
In normal physiological conditions, angiogenesis is tightly regulated to maintain a balance between new vessel formation and the elimination of old or damaged blood vessels. However, certain diseases and disorders can disrupt this balance, leading to excessive or insufficient angiogenesis. For example, in cancer, tumor cells release angiogenic factors that stimulate the growth of blood vessels to supply nutrients and oxygen to the growing tumor mass. In contrast, insufficient angiogenesis can contribute to conditions such as ischemic heart disease or peripheral arterial disease where there is a reduced blood supply to tissues and organs.
Understanding the mechanisms and regulation of angiogenesis is of great importance in various areas of medicine, including oncology, regenerative medicine, and cardiovascular diseases. Therapies targeting angiogenic factors or inhibiting angiogenesis have been explored as potential treatment strategies for diseases characterized by abnormal angiogenesis, such as cancer.
1. Relating to angiogenesis. 2. Of vascular origin, due to arterial degeneration.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "angiogenic" is derived from the combination of two roots: "angio" and "genic".
The root "angio" comes from the Greek word "angeion", which means "vessel". This term is often used to refer to blood vessels, particularly in the context of medical and biological sciences.
The suffix "-genic" also has Greek origins and is derived from the Greek word "genēs", meaning "born" or "produced". In the context of medical terminology, "-genic" is commonly used to indicate something that produces or causes a certain condition or process.
Therefore, "angiogenic" is a term coined to describe something that is related to or capable of promoting the formation or growth of blood vessels. It is often used in biology and medicine to refer to substances, factors, or processes that stimulate the development of new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis.