CHROMATOLYSM Meaning and
Definition
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Chromatolysm is a term used in biology and histology to describe a process involving the breakdown or dissolution of chromatophilic substances within a cell or its organelles, particularly the Nissl bodies found in nerve cells. The term is derived from the combination of "chromato," referring to the staining properties of certain cellular structures, and "lysma," which means dissolution or destruction.
Chromatolysm typically occurs as a result of various physiological or pathological processes, such as aging, injury, or disease. It is characterized by a gradual disintegration of the once distinct and densely-staining regions within a cell, leading to the loss of the granular appearance of Nissl bodies. This dissolution or breakdown is often accompanied by the dispersion or relocation of the cellular components involved.
The exact mechanisms and consequences of chromatolysm are still not completely understood, but it is believed to be associated with cellular stress, metabolic changes, or increased protein degradation. While it is considered a degenerative process, chromatolysm can be both reversible and irreversible depending on the specific conditions and cellular context.
Chromatolysm is commonly observed and studied in the field of neurobiology, as alterations in the structure and function of nerve cells can significantly impact neuronal health and functionality. Understanding the underlying causes of chromatolysm and its implications can provide insights into various neurodegenerative diseases and potentially aid in the development of therapeutic interventions.
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Atrophy or shrinkage of Niessl's chromatophiles occurring in old age.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CHROMATOLYSM
- chromatolysis
- xhromatolysm
- vhromatolysm
- fhromatolysm
- dhromatolysm
- cgromatolysm
- cbromatolysm
- cnromatolysm
- cjromatolysm
- curomatolysm
- cyromatolysm
- cheomatolysm
- chdomatolysm
- chfomatolysm
- chtomatolysm
- ch5omatolysm
- ch4omatolysm
- chrimatolysm
- chrkmatolysm
- chrlmatolysm
Etymology of CHROMATOLYSM
The term "chromatolysm" is derived from the combination of two words: "chromato" and "lysm".
The prefix "chromato" is derived from the Greek word "chroma", meaning "color". It is often used to refer to colors or pigments in various scientific contexts. For example, "chromatography" is a method used to separate, identify, and analyze components of mixtures based on their different colors or pigments.
The suffix "lysm" comes from the Greek word "lysis", meaning "to loosen" or "dissolution". It is commonly used in scientific terms to indicate a process of decomposition or destruction. For instance, "hemolysis" refers to the breakdown or destruction of red blood cells.
Therefore, when combined, "chromatolysm" can be understood as the process of decomposition or breakdown of color or pigments.
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