PERICYTIC Meaning and
Definition
-
Pericytic refers to a specific histological term that pertains to pericytes or pericytoid cells. Pericytes are contractile cells that surround the endothelial cells of blood capillaries and venules. They are found in many organs and tissues, including the brain, muscles, lungs, and skin. Pericytes play a vital role in blood vessel formation, maintenance, and regulation.
The term pericytic describes any anatomical feature, process, or structure that is related to or associated with pericytes. It is often used in the context of describing the location, function, or behavior of pericytes in different biological systems.
Pericytic cells have elongated shapes with tapering ends and possess long cytoplasmic processes that wrap around the endothelial cells. These cells are known to have contractile properties and are involved in blood flow regulation, endothelial stability, and capillary permeability. Pericytes also contribute to angiogenesis, as they can differentiate into other cell types, such as smooth muscle cells or myofibroblasts.
In pathological conditions, pericytic abnormalities have been implicated in various diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, fibrosis, and certain types of tumors. The study of pericytic cells and their role in vascular biology is important for understanding physiological processes and developing therapeutic interventions for diseases that involve blood vessel dysfunction.
In summary, the term pericytic refers to anything pertaining to pericytes, and it describes characteristics, behaviors, or processes associated with these contractile cells that surround the endothelial cells of blood capillaries and venules.
Common Misspellings for PERICYTIC
- oericytic
- lericytic
- -ericytic
- 0ericytic
- pwricytic
- psricytic
- pdricytic
- prricytic
- p4ricytic
- p3ricytic
- peeicytic
- pedicytic
- peficytic
- peticytic
- pe5icytic
- pe4icytic
- perucytic
- perjcytic
- perkcytic
- perocytic
Etymology of PERICYTIC
The word "pericytic" is derived from the combination of two roots: "peri-" and "cyte".
"Peri-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "peri" meaning "around" or "surrounding". It is commonly used in English to denote something that is situated on or around the outside or periphery of something else.
The root "cyte" is derived from the Greek word "kytos" meaning "cell". It refers to a specific type of cell in biology.
Therefore, when these two roots are combined, "pericytic" refers to something that is related to or characteristic of pericytes, which are a type of cells located in the blood vessels.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
