PYRETOGEN Meaning and
Definition
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Pyretogen, also known as pyretogenic substance or pyretic agent, refers to any substance or compound that is capable of inducing fever or raising body temperature. The term "pyretogen" is derived from the Greek words "pyretos" meaning fever and "gen" meaning producing or generating.
Pyretogens can vary in nature and can include different types of microorganisms, such as bacteria or viruses, as well as certain chemicals or foreign substances that enter the body. When a pyretogen enters the body, it triggers a reaction in the immune system, leading to the release of various substances known as pyrogens.
Pyrogens, which can be produced by the body itself or introduced externally, act on the hypothalamus in the brain, a region responsible for regulating body temperature. They stimulate the hypothalamus to increase the body's set-point temperature, leading to the dilation of blood vessels, the constriction of skin pores, and the activation of mechanisms that generate heat, such as shivering.
The elevation of body temperature caused by pyretogens is a natural defense mechanism of the body. It helps to enhance the immune response, as higher temperatures can promote the activity of certain immune cells and inhibit the growth of certain pathogens. However, prolonged or excessively high fever can also have detrimental effects on the body, including increased heart rate, dehydration, and potential damage to tissues and organs.
Understanding the role of pyretogens and their mechanisms can be crucial for diagnosing and treating various febrile conditions, as well as developing interventions to regulate body temperature effectively.
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Any agent that excites fever.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PYRETOGEN
- oyretogen
- lyretogen
- -yretogen
- 0yretogen
- ptretogen
- pgretogen
- phretogen
- puretogen
- p7retogen
- p6retogen
- pyeetogen
- pydetogen
- pyfetogen
- pytetogen
- py5etogen
- py4etogen
- pyrwtogen
- pyrstogen
- pyrdtogen
- pyrrtogen
Etymology of PYRETOGEN
The word "pyretogen" is a medical term that refers to any substance or agent that induces fever. It is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "pyretos", meaning fever, and "gen", meaning producer or generator.
The Greek word "pyretos" (πυρετός) itself is derived from the verb "pyroo" (πυρόω), which means to ignite, burn, or heat. It is related to the Greek word "pyr" (πυρ), meaning fire. In medical terminology, "pyretic" or "pyrogenic" is used to describe substances or conditions that cause an increase in body temperature.
The second component of the word, "gen", comes from the Greek root "genos" (γένος), meaning birth, origin, or production.
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