ELASTICIN Meaning and
Definition
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Elastin is a protein that is a major component of the connective tissue of various organs in the body, particularly in elastic tissues. It is one of the key factors responsible for providing elasticity and resilience to the skin, blood vessels, lungs, and other tissues requiring stretchability.
Elastin is primarily produced by fibroblast cells and forms a dense network within the extracellular matrix, allowing tissues to stretch and recoil without losing their structural integrity. This protein is known for its unique properties, such as its ability to revert to its original shape after being stretched or compressed, making it crucial for the proper function of numerous organs.
The structure of elastin is characterized by a high content of the amino acid glycine, which allows for flexibility, as well as the presence of specialized amino acids, such as desmosine and isodesmosine, that form cross-links between elastin molecules. These cross-links contribute to the durability and stability of the protein, enabling it to withstand repeated stretching.
Although elastin synthesis declines with age, it plays a vital role in maintaining the elasticity and youthful appearance of the skin. Loss or damage to elastin can result in various connective tissue disorders, such as elastin degradation in the skin leading to wrinkles or sagging, or weakened blood vessels causing complications like aneurysms.
Due to its importance and potential applications, elastin has gained attention in medical and cosmetic fields. Researchers are exploring ways to enhance elastin production and develop elastin-based materials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine purposes.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ELASTICIN
- wlasticin
- slasticin
- dlasticin
- rlasticin
- 4lasticin
- 3lasticin
- ekasticin
- epasticin
- eoasticin
- elzsticin
- elssticin
- elwsticin
- elqsticin
- elaaticin
- elazticin
- elaxticin
- eladticin
- elaeticin
- elawticin
- elasricin
Etymology of ELASTICIN
The word "elasticin" is derived from the term "elastic", which originally comes from the Latin word "elasticus" and the Greek word "elastikos". Both of these words mean "rebounding" or "propelling". The suffix "-in" is commonly used in scientific terminology to denote a substance or molecule. Therefore, combining "elastic" with "-in" creates "elasticin", which refers to a specific protein known for its elasticity, typically found in connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments.
Similar spelling word for ELASTICIN
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