The word "aplastic" is commonly used in the medical field to describe a condition in which the body does not produce enough new cells. It is pronounced /eɪplæstɪk/, with the first syllable sounding like "ay," the second syllable like "plas," and the final syllable like "tik". The "a" in the beginning of the word is pronounced like the "a" in "bat." This unique spelling helps to accurately convey the specific medical condition being described, while also allowing for clear and concise communication among medical professionals.
Aplastic is an adjective used to describe a medical condition affecting the bone marrow, where it fails to produce an adequate amount of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This condition is known as aplastic anemia.
Aplastic anemia is a rare and serious disorder that can be acquired or inherited. In acquired aplastic anemia, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the bone marrow cells responsible for producing blood cells. Inherited aplastic anemia, on the other hand, is caused by certain genetic abnormalities that hinder the normal functions of the bone marrow.
The term aplastic can also refer to other organs or tissues losing their normal functioning and becoming incapable of carrying out their intended functions. For example, aplastic lymph nodes are lymph nodes that have shrunken or failed to develop properly, leading to a compromised immune response. Similarly, aplastic skin refers to a condition where the skin loses its normal elasticity, becoming thin and fragile, often seen in the elderly.
The term aplastic may also be used to describe medical procedures or treatments that aim to destroy or suppress certain cells or tissues. For instance, aplastic radiation therapy refers to a type of treatment used in cancer care, where high-energy beams are directed at a specific area to destroy cancer cells.
In summary, aplastic describes a condition or state where there is a deficiency or failure of normal function in organs or tissues, particularly in the bone marrow's ability to produce blood cells.
Marked by defective or arrested development.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "aplastic" has its origins in Greek. It is derived from the Greek word "a-" meaning "without" or "not", and the Greek word "plastós" meaning "formed" or "molded". Therefore, "aplastic" literally translates to "without formation" or "not formed". In a medical context, it is used to describe the lack or failure of cell development or differentiation, particularly in bone marrow.