RESPIRATORY BURST Meaning and
Definition
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Respiratory Burst is a physiological process that refers to the rapid and highly efficient release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by certain immune cells, specifically phagocytes, during an immune response. It is an essential part of the innate immune system's defense mechanism against invading pathogens.
During respiratory burst, phagocytes, including neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages, are stimulated by various signals, such as microbial products and opsonins, to produce large amounts of ROS. These reactive oxygen species, including superoxide anions, hydrogen peroxide, and hypochlorous acid, are highly toxic to microorganisms. They effectively kill and neutralize invading pathogens, preventing their further spread and infection.
Respiratory burst is driven by a process called the NADPH oxidase complex (NOX), which is located on the phagocyte's membrane. The complex is comprised of several subunits, including cytochrome b558, which is responsible for generating the superoxide radicals. Activation of the NOX complex leads to the transfer of electrons from NADPH to molecular oxygen, resulting in the formation of superoxide radicals.
The release of ROS during the respiratory burst not only helps eliminate pathogens but also plays a role in initiating a pro-inflammatory response, recruiting other immune cells to the site of infection or injury. However, an excessive or dysregulated respiratory burst can lead to tissue damage and inflammation.
Overall, respiratory burst is a crucial mechanism of the innate immune system that aids in the destruction of invading microorganisms and maintains the body's defense against pathogens.
Common Misspellings for RESPIRATORY BURST
- eespiratory burst
- despiratory burst
- fespiratory burst
- tespiratory burst
- 5espiratory burst
- 4espiratory burst
- rwspiratory burst
- rsspiratory burst
- rdspiratory burst
- rrspiratory burst
- r4spiratory burst
- r3spiratory burst
- reapiratory burst
- rezpiratory burst
- rexpiratory burst
- redpiratory burst
- reepiratory burst
- rewpiratory burst
- resoiratory burst
- resliratory burst
Etymology of RESPIRATORY BURST
The word "respiratory" comes from the Latin word "respirare", which means "to breathe". The word "burst" originated from the Old Norse word "bresta" and Old English word "berstan", both of which mean "to break open or explode".
The term "respiratory burst" is used in the context of immunology and refers to a rapid release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by certain immune cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, following stimulation. These reactive oxygen species play a crucial role in killing invading pathogens through a process known as oxidative burst.
Therefore, the term "respiratory burst" combines the concept of breathing (respiration) with the sudden release or explosion (burst) of reactive oxygen species by immune cells, highlighting the metabolic activity and defense mechanisms of these cells during the immune response.
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