FLETCHER FACTOR Meaning and
Definition
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The Fletcher Factor refers to a biological phenomenon related to blood clotting and the production of coagulation factors in the human body. It specifically pertains to a hereditary condition known as Hemophilia B, also referred to as Christmas disease.
Hemophilia B is a rare genetic disorder characterized by deficient levels or complete absence of clotting factor IX (FIX), which is an essential protein involved in the coagulation cascade. The Fletcher Factor is linked to this disorder due to a specific abnormality in FIX production.
In individuals with the Fletcher Factor, a mutation in the gene responsible for producing FIX causes the liver to produce a dysfunctional version of the clotting factor. This results in extremely low levels of functional FIX in the bloodstream, affecting the body's ability to form blood clots efficiently. Consequently, individuals with Hemophilia B often experience prolonged bleeding after injuries or surgeries, spontaneous bleeding into joints, and in severe cases, life-threatening internal bleeding.
The term "Fletcher Factor" is derived from the name of the patient in whom this disorder was first identified. It is important to note that this genetic abnormality is distinct from other forms of Hemophilia which involve deficiencies of different clotting factors, such as Hemophilia A (lack of factor VIII). Genetic testing is usually required to confirm the presence of the Fletcher Factor and determine the appropriate course of treatment, which typically involves regular infusions of recombinant factor IX concentrates or plasma-derived FIX to prevent or manage bleeding episodes.
Common Misspellings for FLETCHER FACTOR
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Etymology of FLETCHER FACTOR
The term "Fletcher Factor" is derived from the name of the American biologist, Harvey Fletcher. The etymology of the word relates to his significant contributions to the field of hearing and auditory perception.
Harvey Fletcher (1884-1981) was a prominent figure in the study of acoustics, particularly in regards to the perception of sound. He conducted extensive research on human hearing, psychoacoustics, and the physics of sound.
The "Fletcher Factor" refers to one of Fletcher's notable achievements, known as the "Fletcher-Munson curves" or "Fletcher-Munson equal-loudness contours". Alongside his colleague, American physicist and engineer, Wilden A. Munson, Fletcher conducted experiments to measure the perceived loudness of sounds at different frequencies.
Their research revealed that the human ear does not perceive all frequencies equally.
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