PYRETOGENESIS Meaning and
Definition
-
Pyretogenesis is a medical term referring to the process of fever development within the body. Derived from the Greek words "pyretos" (meaning fever) and "genesis" (meaning origin or development), pyretogenesis involves the various mechanisms and pathways that lead to an elevation in body temperature.
When the body is exposed to certain pathogens, such as bacteria or viruses, immune cells release chemical substances called pyrogens. These pyrogens act on the hypothalamus, a region in the brain that controls body temperature, and trigger a series of events leading to fever. Pyrogens can also be produced by the body as a response to tissue damage or inflammation.
The initiation of pyretogenesis involves the resetting of the body's "thermostat," resulting in an elevated temperature set point. As a result, the body experiences a cascade of physiological responses aimed at increasing heat production and reducing heat loss. These responses include shivering to generate heat, vasoconstriction to decrease heat loss from the skin, and an increase in metabolism.
Pyretogenesis is an essential defense mechanism of the body, as fever creates an unfavorable environment for many pathogens to survive and thrive. It stimulates the immune system, enhances the activity of immune cells, and aids in the destruction of microbes. However, prolonged or excessively high fever can be detrimental to the body and may warrant medical intervention.
In conclusion, pyretogenesis is the complex process by which the body elicits a fever in response to infection, injury, or inflammation. It involves numerous physiological changes aimed at increasing body temperature to combat invading pathogens and promote healing.
-
The origin and mode of production of fever.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PYRETOGENESIS
- oyretogenesis
- lyretogenesis
- -yretogenesis
- 0yretogenesis
- ptretogenesis
- pgretogenesis
- phretogenesis
- puretogenesis
- p7retogenesis
- p6retogenesis
- pyeetogenesis
- pydetogenesis
- pyfetogenesis
- pytetogenesis
- py5etogenesis
- py4etogenesis
- pyrwtogenesis
- pyrstogenesis
- pyrdtogenesis
- pyrrtogenesis
Etymology of PYRETOGENESIS
The word "pyretogenesis" is derived from Greek roots.
The term is composed of two main components:
1. "Pyretos" (πυρετός) - meaning "fever" in Greek.
2. "Genesis" (γένεσις) - meaning "origin" or "generation" in Greek.
Therefore, "pyretogenesis" refers to the process or origin of fever.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
