Necrobiosis is the process of tissue death within an organism. The spelling of the word can be broken down phonetically, as "nek-roh-bahy-oh-sis". The first syllable "nek" rhymes with "heck", the second syllable "roh" is pronounced like "row", the third syllable "bahy" is pronounced like "bye", the fourth syllable "oh" is pronounced like "oh" and the fifth syllable "sis" is pronounced like "sis". This complex word may prove challenging to spell, but understanding its phonetic breakdown can simplify the process.
Necrobiosis is a medical term that refers to a process of cellular death or degeneration within living tissue. Derived from the Greek words "nekros," meaning dead, and "biosis," meaning way of life, necrobiosis describes a state where cells undergo a gradual dissolution or break down.
In the context of dermatology, necrobiosis is typically used to describe a specific type of skin condition called necrobiosis lipoidica. This condition is characterized by the development of patches or plaques on the skin that are often red or brown in color, with a shiny, smooth, or slightly raised appearance. These lesions are typically found on the lower legs, but can occasionally affect other areas of the body as well. Necrobiosis lipoidica is thought to be primarily caused by changes in blood vessel structure and function, leading to reduced nutrition and oxygen supply to the affected tissue.
Outside of dermatology, necrobiosis is a more general term used to describe the process of cell death in various other contexts. It can refer to the natural and programmed death of cells that occurs during normal physiological processes, such as the shedding of skin or the turnover of cells in certain organs like the gut lining. Necrobiosis can also occur as a result of pathological processes, such as in certain diseases or as a response to injury or infection.
Overall, necrobiosis is a term used to describe the degeneration, death, or breakdown of cells within living tissue, and it is typically used in the medical field to describe specific conditions or processes, particularly in dermatology.
The gradual death of a part in consequence of degenerative or retrograde processes; by some regarded as synonymous with necrosis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "necrobiosis" is derived from the Greek roots "nekros" meaning "dead" and "biosis" meaning "way of living" or "life". Therefore, etymologically, "necrobiosis" can be translated as "the process or way of living or dying" or "the transition from life to death".