LYMPHOTAXIS Meaning and
Definition
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Lymphotaxis is a term used in biology and medicine to describe the movement or migration of lymphocytes in response to certain stimuli or signals. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system and are responsible for defending the body against infections and diseases.
In lymphotaxis, lymphocytes are attracted or directed towards specific sites or tissues in the body where their presence is required. This movement is typically guided by chemical signals known as chemotactic factors, which are released by damaged tissue, pathogens, or immune cells. Chemotactic factors can be proteins, peptides, or small molecules that bind to receptors present on the surface of lymphocytes, triggering their movement or migration.
Lymphotaxis plays a significant role in the immune response as it allows lymphocytes to quickly migrate towards sites of infection or inflammation. This is critical for the effective functioning of the immune system as it ensures the rapid deployment of immune cells to eliminate pathogens and initiate the process of tissue repair.
The study of lymphotaxis is important in understanding diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and immune deficiencies, as abnormalities in lymphocyte migration can lead to impaired immune responses or the development of pathological conditions. Researchers often study the mechanisms underlying lymphotaxis to develop better therapeutic interventions for enhancing immune responses or targeting specific immune cells to treat various diseases.
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The exertion of a power of attraction or repulsion of lymphocytes.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LYMPHOTAXIS
- kymphotaxis
- pymphotaxis
- oymphotaxis
- ltmphotaxis
- lgmphotaxis
- lhmphotaxis
- lumphotaxis
- l7mphotaxis
- l6mphotaxis
- lynphotaxis
- lykphotaxis
- lyjphotaxis
- lymohotaxis
- lymlhotaxis
- lym-hotaxis
- lym0hotaxis
- lympgotaxis
- lympbotaxis
- lympnotaxis
- lympjotaxis
Etymology of LYMPHOTAXIS
The word "lymphotaxis" is derived from two Greek roots: "lympho" and "taxis". "Lympho" comes from the Greek word "lympha", meaning clear fluid or water. "Taxis" is derived from the Greek verb "tássō", which means to arrange or put in order.
Therefore, "lymphotaxis" combines these roots to form a word that describes the movement or arrangement of lymph.
