AUTODIGESTION Meaning and
Definition
-
Autodigestion, also known as self-digestion, is a medical term used to describe the process in which a living organism's own tissues or cells are broken down by their own digestive enzymes. This phenomenon is abnormal and can occur in various biological systems, most notably in the digestive tract and the pancreas.
In the context of the digestive tract, autodigestion refers to the digestive enzymes present in the stomach and intestines that start to degrade the wall of the gastrointestinal tract itself. This can result in the erosion or ulceration of the lining, leading to various gastrointestinal disorders such as peptic ulcers. Autoimmune disorders or chemical imbalances in the body can trigger the abnormal activation or production of these digestive enzymes, leading to this process.
When it comes to the pancreas, autodigestion pertains to a condition called acute pancreatitis. This occurs when digestive enzymes are prematurely activated within the pancreas itself, leading to inflammation, tissue damage, and severe abdominal pain. The pancreas normally releases its enzymes into the small intestine to assist in the digestion of food, but in this case, they become activated within the pancreatic tissue itself, causing damage.
In both cases, autodigestion can have detrimental effects on the affected tissues and organs, leading to pain, inflammation, tissue necrosis, and even organ dysfunction. Proper medical management and treatment are essential to alleviate symptoms, control the underlying conditions, and prevent further tissue damage.
-
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for AUTODIGESTION
- zutodigestion
- sutodigestion
- wutodigestion
- qutodigestion
- aytodigestion
- ahtodigestion
- ajtodigestion
- aitodigestion
- a8todigestion
- a7todigestion
- aurodigestion
- aufodigestion
- augodigestion
- auyodigestion
- au6odigestion
- au5odigestion
- autidigestion
- autkdigestion
- autldigestion
- autpdigestion
Etymology of AUTODIGESTION
The word "autodigestion" is derived from two components: "auto-" and "digestion".
1. "Auto-" comes from the Greek word "autos", meaning "self" or "own". It is commonly used as a prefix in modern English to indicate something self-related or occurring within oneself.
2. "Digestion" comes from the Latin word "digestio", which is derived from the verb "digero", meaning "to break down" or "to dissolve". It refers to the process of breaking down complex substances into simpler forms that can be absorbed and used by the body.
Combining these components, "autodigestion" refers to the process by which the body's own enzymes or acids break down its tissues or organs. It is often used to describe pathological conditions where the body's enzymes attack and damage its own tissues.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
