LEUKOCYTE CHEMOTAXIS Meaning and
Definition
-
Leukocyte chemotaxis refers to the directed movement of leukocytes, which are a type of white blood cells, in response to chemical signals known as chemoattractants. These chemoattractants can be either chemokines, complement proteins, or lipid mediators released from injured or infected tissues.
The process of leukocyte chemotaxis is an essential component of the immune response and inflammation. When tissue damage or infection occurs, various immune cells, including neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes, are recruited to the site of injury or infection through chemotaxis. This directed movement allows these cells to migrate from the bloodstream to the affected tissues efficiently.
Leukocyte chemotaxis involves multiple steps. First, the chemoattractants bind to specific chemotactic receptors on the surface of leukocytes, triggering intracellular signaling pathways. This signal transduction induces rearrangement of the cytoskeleton, leading to the extension of membrane protrusions called pseudopods. The pseudopods help leukocytes to migrate towards the chemoattractant source.
The movement of leukocytes is guided by concentration gradients established by the chemoattractants, ensuring that they reach the site of infection or tissue damage. Once leukocytes reach their destination, they can eliminate pathogens, clear cellular debris, and initiate tissue repair processes.
Abnormalities in leukocyte chemotaxis can lead to impaired immune responses and an increased susceptibility to infections. Research on leukocyte chemotaxis has significant implications in understanding the mechanisms behind immune responses, inflammation, and the development of potential therapies for immune system disorders.
Common Misspellings for LEUKOCYTE CHEMOTAXIS
- keukocyte chemotaxis
- peukocyte chemotaxis
- oeukocyte chemotaxis
- lwukocyte chemotaxis
- lsukocyte chemotaxis
- ldukocyte chemotaxis
- lrukocyte chemotaxis
- l4ukocyte chemotaxis
- l3ukocyte chemotaxis
- leykocyte chemotaxis
- lehkocyte chemotaxis
- lejkocyte chemotaxis
- leikocyte chemotaxis
- le8kocyte chemotaxis
- le7kocyte chemotaxis
- leujocyte chemotaxis
- leumocyte chemotaxis
- leulocyte chemotaxis
- leuoocyte chemotaxis
- leuiocyte chemotaxis
Etymology of LEUKOCYTE CHEMOTAXIS
The word "leukocyte" is derived from the Greek words "leukos", meaning "white", and "kytos", meaning "cell". It refers to the white blood cells that play a crucial role in the immune system.
The term "chemotaxis" comes from two Greek words: "chemo", meaning "chemical", and "taxis", meaning "movement". It describes the process by which cells are attracted or repelled by chemicals in their environment, leading to directional movement.
Therefore, "leukocyte chemotaxis" refers to the ability of white blood cells to respond to chemical signals and migrate towards or away from a particular location in the body based on these chemical cues.
