MACROCYTE Meaning and
Definition
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A macrocyte is a term used in medical and hematological contexts to describe a type of red blood cell that is larger than normal in size. The word "macrocyte" is derived from the Greek words "makros," meaning large, and "kytos," meaning cell. In healthy individuals, red blood cells are typically uniform in size and shape, with a diameter of around 6-8 micrometers. However, in certain medical conditions, the red blood cells can become abnormally enlarged, resulting in the presence of macrocytes.
The occurrence of macrocytes can indicate an underlying health condition, such as a nutritional deficiency, bone marrow disorder, or liver disease. The abnormal enlargement of red blood cells can be observed through a complete blood count (CBC) test, which measures various parameters of blood cells, including their size and shape.
The presence of macrocytes can have clinical implications as it may reflect alterations in the red blood cell's ability to carry oxygen efficiently and may be associated with symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. In some instances, macrocytosis can also be seen as a temporary and harmless side effect of certain medications or alcohol consumption.
Treatment for macrocytosis typically involves addressing the underlying cause. This may include nutritional supplements, dietary changes, or medical interventions depending on the diagnosis. Close monitoring of the condition through regular blood tests is often recommended to evaluate the response to treatment and to ensure that the levels of macrocytes return to the normal range.
Common Misspellings for MACROCYTE
- nacrocyte
- kacrocyte
- jacrocyte
- mzcrocyte
- mscrocyte
- mwcrocyte
- mqcrocyte
- maxrocyte
- mavrocyte
- mafrocyte
- madrocyte
- maceocyte
- macdocyte
- macfocyte
- mactocyte
- mac5ocyte
- mac4ocyte
- macricyte
- macrkcyte
Etymology of MACROCYTE
The word "macrocyte" comes from two roots: "macro-" and "-cyte".
1. "Macro-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "makros", meaning "large" or "long". It is commonly used in scientific and medical terms to refer to something large or macroscopic.
2. "-Cyte" is a suffix derived from the Greek word "kytos", meaning "cell". It is used to denote a cell or cellular component.
Therefore, the term "macrocyte" is formed by combining "macro-" and "-cyte" to indicate a large cell. In the context of hematology, "macrocytes" are abnormally large red blood cells.
Similar spelling words for MACROCYTE
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