PHAGOCYTOLYTIC Meaning and
Definition
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Phagocytolytic refers to the process or characteristic of being capable of or relating to phagocytosis, specifically the destruction or lysis of microorganisms, toxins, or cellular debris by phagocytes. Phagocytosis is a vital mechanism within the immune system to help protect the body against harmful pathogens and foreign substances.
In order to carry out phagocytosis, phagocytes, such as macrophages or neutrophils, engulf and internalize the targeted particles. Once inside the phagocyte, the particles are broken down and destroyed, rendering them harmless. This destructive process involves the release of lytic enzymes and reactive oxygen species by phagocytes. Therefore, when something is described as phagocytolytic, it signifies its ability to destroy or lyse particles via this mechanism.
The phagocytolytic activity of immune cells plays a crucial role in defense against infections. By effectively eliminating pathogens, toxins, or cellular debris, phagocytes contribute to maintaining the body's overall health and well-being. Certain diseases or conditions can impair phagocytolytic function, leading to a compromised immune response and increased susceptibility to infections.
Phagocytolytic processes are also of interest in medical and research fields, as they can be manipulated or modulated to enhance immune responses or develop novel therapies. Studying the mechanisms underlying phagocytolysis is valuable for scientific advancement and potentially facilitating the treatment of various diseases associated with impaired immune function.
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Relating to phagocytolysis, phagocytic.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PHAGOCYTOLYTIC
- ohagocytolytic
- lhagocytolytic
- -hagocytolytic
- 0hagocytolytic
- pgagocytolytic
- pbagocytolytic
- pnagocytolytic
- pjagocytolytic
- puagocytolytic
- pyagocytolytic
- phzgocytolytic
- phsgocytolytic
- phwgocytolytic
- phqgocytolytic
- phafocytolytic
- phavocytolytic
- phabocytolytic
- phahocytolytic
- phayocytolytic
- phatocytolytic
Etymology of PHAGOCYTOLYTIC
The word "phagocytolytic" is derived from the combination of two root words: "phagocytosis" and "lytic".
The first part, "phagocytosis", is derived from the Greek words "phagein", meaning "to eat", and "kytos", meaning "cell". It refers to the process by which a cell engulfs and internalizes solid particles such as bacteria or cell debris.
The second part, "lytic", is derived from the Greek word "lysis", meaning "loosening" or "dissolution". It is commonly used in biology and medicine to denote a process of destruction or breakdown.
Therefore, "phagocytolytic" refers to something that has the ability to cause the destruction, breakdown, or dissolution of cells through the process of phagocytosis.
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