NEUROTROPISM Meaning and
Definition
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Neurotropism is a term used in biology and medicine to describe the tendency or preference of certain microorganisms or viruses to infect and invade the nervous system. It refers to the specific affinity that these pathogens have for nerve cells or tissues within the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).
In the case of viruses, neurotropism signifies their ability to infect and replicate within neurons or other cells of the nervous system. This can lead to various neurological disorders, such as encephalitis or meningitis. Some known neurotropic viruses include herpes simplex virus, rabies virus, and poliovirus.
Additionally, neurotropism can also refer to the attraction of nerve cell growth cones to substances or cues that guide their migration during embryonic development. This phenomenon plays a crucial role in shaping the neural connections and circuitry in the developing brain and helps in establishing proper neural pathways.
Understanding neurotropism is essential in the field of virology and neuroscience as it provides insights into the mechanisms of viral invasion and spread within the nervous system, as well as the processes involved in neural development and regeneration. Researchers and clinicians study neurotropism to develop effective antiviral therapies, preventive vaccines, and treatments for neurodegenerative diseases or nerve injuries.
Common Misspellings for NEUROTROPISM
- beurotropism
- meurotropism
- jeurotropism
- heurotropism
- nwurotropism
- nsurotropism
- ndurotropism
- nrurotropism
- n4urotropism
- n3urotropism
- neyrotropism
- nehrotropism
- nejrotropism
- neirotropism
- ne8rotropism
- ne7rotropism
- neueotropism
- neudotropism
- neufotropism
Etymology of NEUROTROPISM
The word "neurotropism" is formed by combining two Greek roots: "neuron" and "tropism".
1. "Neuron" (νεῦρον) means "nerve" in Greek.
2. "Tropism" (τροπισμός) is derived from the Greek verb "trepō" (τρέπω), which means "to turn" or "to change direction".
Therefore, "neurotropism" can be defined etymologically as the "tendency or ability to turn toward or be directed by nerves". In the context of biology and medicine, neurotropism refers to the preference of certain viruses or substances to selectively infect or affect nervous tissue.
Similar spelling words for NEUROTROPISM
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