LEUKOTAXIS Meaning and
Definition
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Leukotaxis refers to the movement or migration of leukocytes (white blood cells) within the body in response to chemical signals or gradients. It is a phenomenon that occurs during the body's immune response to infection, injury, or inflammation.
When tissue is damaged or infected, inflammatory signals are released, including various chemotactic factors such as cytokines and chemokines. These chemical messengers attract leukocytes from the blood vessels towards the affected area. Leukotaxis is a crucial step in the immune response as it allows white blood cells to reach and accumulate at the site of infection or inflammation, enabling them to carry out their defensive functions.
The process of leukotaxis involves several steps. First, leukocytes roll along the inner lining of the blood vessels, then they adhere and firmly attach to the endothelial cells. Following this, leukocytes undergo transmigration, where they squeeze themselves through the vessel wall to move into the surrounding tissue. Finally, they follow the chemical gradient towards the source of inflammation or infection.
Leukotaxis plays a crucial role in the body's defense against pathogens, as it allows immune cells to quickly respond to areas of tissue damage and initiate the healing process. Dysregulation or impairment of leukotaxis can lead to various disorders affecting the immune system, such as immunodeficiency or chronic inflammation. Studying leukotaxis and its mechanisms is important for understanding immune system function and developing potential therapies for immune-related diseases.
Common Misspellings for LEUKOTAXIS
- keukotaxis
- peukotaxis
- oeukotaxis
- lwukotaxis
- lsukotaxis
- ldukotaxis
- lrukotaxis
- l4ukotaxis
- l3ukotaxis
- leykotaxis
- lehkotaxis
- lejkotaxis
- leikotaxis
- le8kotaxis
- le7kotaxis
- leujotaxis
- leumotaxis
- leulotaxis
- leuootaxis
- leuiotaxis
Etymology of LEUKOTAXIS
The word "leukotaxis" derives from the Greek words "leukos" meaning "white" and "taxis" meaning "arrangement" or "movement".
In the context of medicine, "leukotaxis" refers to the directional movement or migration of white blood cells (leukocytes) towards a site of inflammation or injury. The term was coined by combining the Greek roots to describe this phenomenon.
