The word "phagmesis" is spelled as /fæɡmiːsɪs/ according to IPA phonetic transcription. This term refers to a biological process wherein cells engulf and digest other cells or particles. The spelling of this word can be broken down phonetically as follows: "ph" is pronounced as /f/, "a" as /æ/, "g" as /ɡ/, "m" as /miː/, "e" as /ɪ/, "s" as /s/, "i" as /ɪ/, and "s" as /s/. Understanding the correct spelling and pronunciation of biological terms such as "phagmesis" is essential in the field of science.
Phagmesis is a term used in biology to describe a process by which certain types of cells, called phagocytes, engulf and ingest solid particles or cells in their environment. This term is derived from the Greek words "phagein" meaning "to eat" and "mesis" meaning "to mix." In essence, phagmesis refers to the act of "cellular eating" or the ingestion and breakdown of foreign material or other cells.
Phagocytes, such as macrophages and neutrophils, employ phagmesis as a crucial mechanism of the innate immune system to eliminate pathogens, dead cells, cellular debris, and other non-self particles. The phagocytes recognize these foreign particles through specific receptors, allowing them to bind and initiate the process of internalization. Once engulfed, the phagosome, a membrane-bound compartment within the phagocyte, forms around the ingested material. This phagosome then interacts with various lysosomes containing digestive enzymes, leading to the formation of a phagolysosome. Within the phagolysosome, the engulfed material is broken down through enzymatic degradation and eventually eliminated from the phagocyte's system.
Phagmesis plays a vital role in maintaining immune system functions and tissue homeostasis by serving as a defense mechanism against invading microorganisms and preventing the accumulation of cellular waste. It is an intricate process that requires coordination and regulation at various steps, ensuring that only harmful or unwanted particles are targeted for removal. The effective functioning of phagmesis is crucial for overall health and protection against infectious agents, making it an essential aspect of immune responses within organisms.
An anomaly, of very doubtful occurrence, in which feathers are said to replace hair in man.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.