How Do You Spell LEPRA CELLS?

Pronunciation: [lˈɛpɹə sˈɛlz] (IPA)

Lepra cells is a term used in dermatology to describe large, pale-staining cells that are present in leprosy lesions. The spelling of the word "lepra" is explained by its phonetic transcription: /ˈlɛprə/. The "e" in "lepra" is pronounced as in "let" and "ɑ" is pronounced as in "fa". The use of phonetic transcription can help clarify the pronunciation of medical terms, which can be useful for healthcare professionals and patients alike.

LEPRA CELLS Meaning and Definition

1. Lepra cells, more commonly known as lepromatous cells, are specialized cells that are predominantly found in the skin and other tissues affected by leprosy, a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. These cells are a key characteristic of the lepromatous form of the disease, which is considered the most severe and progressive type.

   Leprosy is characterized by the impairment of the immune system, resulting in an inability to properly fight off the infecting bacteria. Leprocy cells are primarily histiocytes, which are a type of immune cell responsible for engulfing and destroying foreign substances. However, in lepromatous leprosy, the histiocytes become infected by M. leprae and transform into lepra cells.

   Lepra cells are characterized by their distinctive appearance under a microscope. They have abundant cytoplasm that contains large numbers of bacteria, giving them a foamy or vacuolated appearance. These cells produce an inflammatory response within the affected tissues, leading to the formation of granulomas or nodules.

   The presence of lepra cells in tissues affected by lepromatous leprosy is indicative of a high bacterial load and a more advanced form of the disease. In addition to the skin, these cells may also be found in the nerves, mucous membranes, and other organs affected by leprosy.

   The identification and study of lepra cells play a crucial role in the diagnosis and understanding of lepromatous leprosy. They serve as key indicators of disease progression and guide the development of treatment strategies to combat this debilitating condition.

2. Structures found in leprous tissue, consisting either of giant cells filled with the specific bacilli or of zooglcea masses of bacilli.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for LEPRA CELLS

• kepra cells
• pepra cells
• oepra cells
• lwpra cells
• lspra cells
• ldpra cells
• lrpra cells
• l4pra cells
• l3pra cells
• leora cells
• lelra cells
• le-ra cells
• le0ra cells
• lepea cells
• lepda cells
• lepfa cells
• lepta cells
• lep5a cells
• lep4a cells
• leprz cells

Etymology of LEPRA CELLS

The term "lepra cells" does not have a distinct etymology, as it is not a recognized medical or scientific term. However, it may be inferred that the word "lepra" is derived from the Latin term "lepra" or "leprosis", both of which refer to the disease leprosy. The term "cells" generally refers to the basic unit of life in living organisms. Thus, "lepra cells" could be construed as referring to cells affected by or involved in leprosy, although a more common term recognized in the medical field is "leprosy bacillus" or "Mycobacterium leprae". It is worth noting that it is essential to refer to proper medical terminology in scientific discussions.