POLYMORPHONUCLEAR Meaning and
Definition
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Polymorphonuclear is an Adjective that describes a type of white blood cell known as a polymorphonuclear leukocyte or PMN. These leukocytes are a crucial part of the immune system and are involved in the body's defense against infection and disease.
The term "polymorphonuclear" is derived from the Greek words "poly," meaning many, "morpho," meaning form or shape, and "nuclear," relating to the nucleus. This name reflects the distinctive appearance of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, which have multi-lobed nuclei, usually consisting of three to five lobes connected by thin strands of chromatin material.
These cells are called "polymorphonuclear" leukocytes because their nuclei can take on different shapes or forms, depending on their level of activation and maturity. In addition to their unique nuclei, these cells also contain granules in their cytoplasm, which contain various enzymes and chemicals that aid in the destruction of foreign substances and pathogens.
Polymorphonuclear leukocytes are an integral part of the innate immune response and are among the first cells to arrive at the site of infection or inflammation. They work by engulfing and destroying microorganisms through a process called phagocytosis. These cells also release chemical signals known as cytokines, which recruit and activate other immune cells to help combat the infection.
Overall, polymorphonuclear refers to a specific type of white blood cell with a distinct multi-lobed nucleus and granular cytoplasm. These cells play a crucial role in our body's defense against infection, making them an essential component of the immune system.
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Having nuclei of varied forms, noting a variety of leucocyte.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for POLYMORPHONUCLEAR
- polymorphonucleab
- polymorphonucleaz
- polymorphonucleav
- polymorphonucleap
- polymorphonucleas
- polymorphoenuclear
- polymoarphonuclear
- po lymorphonuclear
- pol ymorphonuclear
- poly morphonuclear
- polym orphonuclear
- polymo rphonuclear
- polymorph onuclear
- polymorpho nuclear
- polymorphon uclear
- polymorphonu clear
- polymorphonuc lear
- polymorphonucl ear
- polymorphonucle ar
- polymorphonuclea r
Etymology of POLYMORPHONUCLEAR
The word "polymorphonuclear" is derived from Greek origins. Here's a breakdown of its etymology:
1. "Poly-" comes from the Greek word "polýs", meaning "many" or "multiple".
2. "Morpho-" is derived from the Greek word "morphḗ", meaning "form" or "shape".
3. "Nuclear" originates from the Greek word "nucleus", meaning "kernel" or "nut".
Combining these elements, "polymorphonuclear" literally means "many-shaped nucleus". The term is often used to describe types of white blood cells, such as neutrophils, which have a multi-lobed or segmented nucleus.
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