ANTIBODY Meaning and
Definition
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An antibody is a protein produced by the immune system in response to the presence of a foreign substance, known as an antigen. It serves as a vital defense mechanism by recognizing and neutralizing harmful pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, or other foreign molecules.
The structure of an antibody consists of two heavy chains and two light chains, linked together to form a Y-shaped molecule. The arms of the Y-shaped structure contain variable regions, which are responsible for binding to specific antigens. This unique specificity allows antibodies to precisely recognize and target antigens that pose a threat to the body.
Upon encountering an antigen, the immune system activates B cells, which are responsible for antibody production. These B cells undergo a complex process of differentiation and maturation, resulting in the production of large quantities of specific antibodies. Once released into the bloodstream, antibodies can either directly neutralize the antigens by physically obstructing their function, or indirectly aid in their destruction by signaling other components of the immune system, such as phagocytes or complement proteins.
Antibodies play a crucial role in immune responses, both during an initial infection and upon subsequent encounters with the same pathogen. This ability to remember previous infections is the basis for immunological memory, providing the immune system with heightened protection against re-infection. Furthermore, antibodies can be artificially produced and utilized for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, such as in vaccines, blood typing, or targeted therapies for specific diseases.
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Any substance in the blood-serum or other fluids of the body which exerts a specific restrictive or destructive action on bacteria or other noxa, or neutralizes their toxin; antitoxins, precipitins, agglutinins, immune bodies, opsonins, and lysins are antibodies.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ANTIBODY
Etymology of ANTIBODY
The word "antibody" originates from the combination of two terms from Greek and Latin. The first component is derived from the Greek word "anti" (ἀντί), which means "against" or "opposite". The second component comes from the Latin word "body", derived from "corpus" meaning "body" or "substance". The term "antibody" was coined in 1901 by the German bacteriologist and immunologist Paul Ehrlich, who used it to describe substances in the blood that act against toxins (or poisons).
Similar spelling words for ANTIBODY
- INTBOD,
- Indebt,
- ANTIOBIOT,
- untapped,
- untappd,
- INADAPT,
- intubate,
- antibody-negative,
- anti-antibody,
- inadept,
- untipped,
- endbody,
- unadept,
- antipot,
- antibody-positive,
- antipoet,
- untopped,
- antibaryon,
- windboat,
- antpitta,
- undubbed,
- Indpt,
- untyped,
- ANTIPT,
- untaped,
- Undipped,
- endopod,
- Antipode.
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