RED CORPUSCLE Meaning and
Definition
-
A red corpuscle, also known as a red blood cell or erythrocyte, is a microscopic cellular component found in the blood of vertebrates, particularly in mammals. Red blood cells are chiefly responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to all the tissues and organs in the body, and are a vital element in maintaining overall physiological health.
Red corpuscles are disc-shaped cells that lack a cell nucleus, allowing for a larger space to carry the oxygen-carrying molecule called hemoglobin. Hemoglobin binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it into the tissues, where it is utilized for various metabolic processes. The absence of a cell nucleus increases the space available for hemoglobin and aids in the flexibility of these cells, enabling them to pass through the narrowest of blood vessels.
Red corpuscles are produced within the bone marrow through a process called erythropoiesis. They have a lifespan of approximately 120 days in circulation, after which they are removed and recycled by the spleen and liver. The number of red corpuscles in the blood is crucial for maintaining adequate oxygen delivery to the body's cells. Any imbalance, such as low red blood cell count (anemia) or excessive red blood cell production (polycythemia), can result in health disorders and complications.
Overall, red corpuscles play a critical role in sustaining life by ensuring sufficient oxygenation throughout the body and maintaining the delicate balance of various physiological processes.
-
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for RED CORPUSCLE
- eed corpuscle
- ded corpuscle
- fed corpuscle
- ted corpuscle
- 5ed corpuscle
- 4ed corpuscle
- rwd corpuscle
- rsd corpuscle
- rdd corpuscle
- rrd corpuscle
- r4d corpuscle
- r3d corpuscle
- res corpuscle
- rex corpuscle
- rec corpuscle
- ref corpuscle
- rer corpuscle
- ree corpuscle
- red xorpuscle
- red vorpuscle
Etymology of RED CORPUSCLE
The term "red corpuscle" is derived from Latin and Greek roots.
The word "corpuscle" comes from the Latin word "corpusculum", meaning "small body" or "particle". It is a diminutive form of the Latin word "corpus", meaning "body".
The adjective "red" comes from the Old English word "rēad", which has its roots in the Germanic language family. This word has been used to describe the color red for centuries.
Therefore, when combined, "red corpuscle" refers to the small, red-pigmented bodies found in the blood, which are now commonly known as "red blood cells" or "erythrocytes".
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
