HEMOLYMPHS Meaning and
Definition
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Hemolymphs are the circulating fluids in the bodies of invertebrate animals, particularly arthropods. They are considered an analogue to the blood found in vertebrates. Hemolymph is a complex mixture of plasma and cells that serves a variety of functions including transport of nutrients, waste products, hormones, and immune cells throughout the organism's body.
In hemolymph, the plasma component is a watery fluid that contains various proteins, salts, and sugars necessary for maintaining the physiological balance within the animal's body. The cells found in hemolymph are primarily hemocytes, which are involved in defense mechanisms against pathogens and parasites. These cells play a vital role in the immune response of the invertebrate, including phagocytosis and encapsulation of foreign invaders.
The circulation of hemolymph in invertebrates differs from the closed circulatory systems of vertebrates, as hemolymph freely flows within and between body cavities. It is circulated through a series of vessels called hemocoels, which act as the main pumping apparatus. Unlike vertebrate blood, hemolymph does not carry oxygen to tissues through specialized respiratory pigments but relies on direct diffusion.
Hemolymphs have considerable physiological importance in invertebrate organisms, enabling the exchange of nutrients, waste products, and hormones between various tissues and organs. Furthermore, hemolymph plays a crucial role in the immune response and overall defense mechanisms of the organism against foreign invaders, making it an essential component of the invertebrate physiology.
Common Misspellings for HEMOLYMPHS
- gemolymphs
- bemolymphs
- nemolymphs
- jemolymphs
- uemolymphs
- yemolymphs
- hwmolymphs
- hsmolymphs
- hdmolymphs
- hrmolymphs
- h4molymphs
- h3molymphs
- henolymphs
- hekolymphs
- hejolymphs
- hemilymphs
- hemklymphs
- hemllymphs
- hemplymphs
- hem0lymphs
Etymology of HEMOLYMPHS
The word "hemolymph" is derived from two roots: "hemo" and "lymph".
1. "Hemo" comes from the Greek word "haima" (αἷμα) meaning "blood". This root is used in several scientific terms related to blood, such as "hematology" (the study of blood) and "hemoglobin" (the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen).
2. "Lymph" comes from the Latin word "lympha" meaning "clear water" or "spring water". In ancient Roman and Greek mythology, "lympha" referred to the goddess of fresh water. The term evolved to describe the clear-to-white fluid found in lymphatic vessels, which is responsible for carrying immune cells throughout the body.
