Oncosis is a medical term used to describe a type of cell death caused by chronic cellular injury. The word is spelled as "ahng-koh-sis" in IPA phonetic transcription. The "o" is pronounced as the "ah" sound, the "c" is pronounced as "k," and the "s" is pronounced as "s." This spelling helps medical professionals accurately communicate with each other about the process of oncotic cell death, which can occur in a variety of diseases and conditions.
"Oncosis" is a term derived from the Greek words "oncos," meaning tumor or bulk, and "osis," referring to a pathological or abnormal condition. It is a scientific term used in the field of pathology and cellular biology to describe a specific type of cell death known as necrosis. Oncosis is characterized by a series of biochemical and morphological changes that occur in cells when they experience severe stress, injury, or damage.
During oncosis, cells undergo changes such as mitochondrial swelling, rupturing of cellular membranes, and loss of membrane integrity. These alterations are typically caused by factors like toxic chemicals, extreme temperature, lack of oxygen, or irradiation. Unlike other forms of cell death, such as programmed cell death (apoptosis) or autophagy, oncosis is considered to be an uncontrolled and chaotic cell death process.
The consequences of oncosis on tissues and organs depend on various factors, including the type and number of cells affected, the extent of damage, and the ability of neighboring cells to compensate for the loss. In some cases, oncosis can trigger an inflammatory response, leading to the release of pro-inflammatory molecules and attracting immune cells to the site of injury.
Understanding the mechanisms and implications of oncosis is crucial in several medical fields, including cancer research, toxicology, and understanding the pathogenesis of various diseases. It serves as a fundamental concept in studying how cells respond to stress and damage, aiding in the development of diagnostic tools, therapeutic interventions, and treatment strategies.
Intumescence, swelling, tumor formation.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "oncosis" derived from the Greek word "onkos", which means "swelling" or "mass". It is combined with the suffix "osis", which is used in medical terminology to describe a pathological condition or abnormal state. Hence, "oncosis" refers to the abnormal swelling or enlargement of cells, tissues, or organs.