MICROVASCULAR PERMEABILITY Meaning and
Definition
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Microvascular permeability refers to the ability of blood vessels in the microscopic branching network, known as the microvasculature, to allow the passage of substances, such as water, solutes, and cells, across their walls. It is a critical physiological process involved in the exchange of nutrients, gases, and waste products between the bloodstream and the surrounding tissues.
The walls of microvessels, including capillaries, are composed of endothelial cells that form a selectively permeable barrier. Microvascular permeability is regulated by various factors, including the integrity of the endothelial barrier, the balance between hydrostatic and oncotic pressures, and the presence of inflammatory mediators.
Alterations in microvascular permeability occur in a variety of physiological and pathological conditions. Increased permeability can result from factors such as inflammation, tissue injury, or elevated blood pressure, leading to the leakage of fluid and proteins into the interstitial space, causing edema. Conversely, decreased permeability can impede the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to tissues, contributing to tissue hypoxia and damage.
Measurement of microvascular permeability is important in various areas of medical research and clinical practice. Techniques such as intravital microscopy, dye leakage assays, and imaging modalities can be used to assess changes in permeability and understand the underlying mechanisms. Manipulating microvascular permeability also has therapeutic implications, as it can impact drug delivery, immune response, and tissue repair processes.
Common Misspellings for MICROVASCULAR PERMEABILITY
- nicrovascular permeability
- kicrovascular permeability
- jicrovascular permeability
- mucrovascular permeability
- mjcrovascular permeability
- mkcrovascular permeability
- mocrovascular permeability
- m9crovascular permeability
- m8crovascular permeability
- mixrovascular permeability
- mivrovascular permeability
- mifrovascular permeability
- midrovascular permeability
- miceovascular permeability
- micdovascular permeability
- micfovascular permeability
- mictovascular permeability
- mic5ovascular permeability
- mic4ovascular permeability
- micrivascular permeability
Etymology of MICROVASCULAR PERMEABILITY
The term "microvascular permeability" can be broken down into its individual components to understand its etymology:
1. "Micro-" comes from the Greek word "mikros", meaning small. In medical terminology, it refers to something very small or on a microscopic scale.
2. "Vascular" is derived from the Latin word "vasculum", meaning small vessel or container. In medical context, it refers to the blood vessels that transport blood throughout the body.
3. "Permeability" comes from the Latin word "permeabilis", meaning capable of being passed through or penetrated. In the context of biology or medicine, it refers to the ability of a substance or fluid to pass through a membrane or tissue.
