Macroleucoblast is a medical term used to describe a large immature white blood cell. The spelling of this word can be explained through its IPA phonetic transcription: /mækroliukoˌblæst/. The first syllable, "macro", refers to its size, while "leuco" means white and "blast" refers to its immature state. The "o" in "leuco" is spelled with the letter "u" to represent the sound of "oo" as in "too". The final syllable, "blast", is pronounced with the "a" sound as in "cat". Overall, the spelling of macroleucoblast accurately represents its pronunciation.
A macroleucoblast, also known as a megaloblast, refers to a large immature white blood cell found in the bone marrow. It is characterized by its bigger size compared to a normal white blood cell, hence the prefix "macro" meaning large. The term "leucoblast" refers to a precursor or a immature form of a white blood cell "leukocyte".
Macroleucoblasts are formed during the early stages of hematopoiesis, the process by which various types of blood cells are produced. These cells typically develop into mature white blood cells, such as neutrophils, eosinophils, or basophils. However, if the development of macroleucoblasts is abnormal or impaired, it can lead to certain blood disorders, including megaloblastic anemia.
In megaloblastic anemia, red and white blood cells do not fully mature and become larger than the normal size. This can cause various symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and pale skin.
The presence of macroleucoblasts in the blood or bone marrow can be detected through a laboratory test called a complete blood count (CBC). The CBC measures the quantities and characteristics of different blood cells, including white blood cells. Identifying macroleucoblasts through the CBC can help diagnose and monitor certain blood disorders.
Overall, macroleucoblasts are a crucial part of the body's immune system, and their proper development is essential for maintaining a healthy balance of white blood cells in the bloodstream.
An excessively large leucoblast.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "macroleucoblast" is derived from two root words: "macro-" and "leucoblast".
The prefix "macro-" comes from the Greek word "makro", meaning large or long. It is often used in scientific and medical terminology to refer to something large or macroscopic.
The term "leucoblast" comes from the Greek words "leukos", meaning white, and "blastos", meaning bud or precursor. "Leucoblast" is a term used in biology to describe an immature or precursor cell that will eventually develop into a white blood cell.
Therefore, the word "macroleucoblast" combines the idea of a large or macroscopic precursor cell with the concept of a white blood cell precursor.