LEUCOCYTOTACTIC Meaning and
Definition
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The term "leucocytotactic" is an adjective that originates from two words: "leucocyte," referring to a white blood cell involved in the immune response, and "tactic," meaning the attraction or movement towards a particular stimulus. Combining these two components, "leucocytotactic" describes any agent, process, or substance that attracts or promotes the migration of white blood cells.
In the field of immunology and pathology, the concept of leucocytotaxis is fundamental to understanding the body's defense mechanisms against infections, inflammation, and tissue damage. Leucocytotactic factors can include a wide range of substances such as chemokines, cytokines, and microbial components. These factors act as signals that trigger the directional movement of white blood cells, particularly neutrophils and monocytes, towards the site of infection or injury.
The leucocytotactic mechanism is vital for the immune system's ability to recognize and eliminate pathogens, neutralize toxins, and remove dead or damaged cells. By attracting and recruiting white blood cells to the affected area, leucocytotaxis promotes inflammation, which plays a crucial role in initiating the immune response. Moreover, it aids in the clearance of pathogens and facilitates tissue repair and healing.
Understanding the leucocytotactic properties of different substances is essential in clinical contexts. For instance, researchers explore the leucocytotactic effects of pharmaceuticals to assess their potential for immune stimulation or inhibition. Additionally, studying leucocytotaxis contributes to a better understanding of immune disorders and provides insights for the development of therapeutic interventions that target immune cell migration and function.
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Relating to or marked by leucocytotaxia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LEUCOCYTOTACTIC
- keucocytotactic
- peucocytotactic
- oeucocytotactic
- lwucocytotactic
- lsucocytotactic
- lducocytotactic
- lrucocytotactic
- l4ucocytotactic
- l3ucocytotactic
- leycocytotactic
- lehcocytotactic
- lejcocytotactic
- leicocytotactic
- le8cocytotactic
- le7cocytotactic
- leuxocytotactic
- leuvocytotactic
- leufocytotactic
- leudocytotactic
- leucicytotactic
Etymology of LEUCOCYTOTACTIC
The word "leucocytotactic" derives from three components: "leuco-", "cyto-", and "-tactic".
1. "Leuco-" comes from the Greek word "leukos", meaning "white". In medical terminology, it is often used to relate to white blood cells, specifically leukocytes.
2. "Cyto-" comes from the Greek word "kytos", referring to "cell". It is commonly used in scientific and medical terms to imply cellular aspects.
3. "-Tactic" is derived from the Greek word "taktikos", meaning "arrangement" or "order". In medical terminology, it often relates to the movement or migration of cells towards or away from a particular stimulus.
Combining these three components, "leucocytotactic" refers to the process or factors that stimulate or guide the movement of white blood cells (leukocytes) in a particular direction.
