RH ANTIGEN Meaning and
Definition
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The "Rh antigen" refers to a group of red blood cell surface proteins or antigens that are inherited from parent to child through genetic means. These antigens are primarily found on the surface of red blood cells in some individuals and are absent in others. The term "Rh" stems from the initial discovery of the antigen in the blood of a rhesus monkey by Karl Landsteiner and Alexander Wiener in the mid-20th century.
The presence or absence of the Rh antigen determines an individual's Rh factor, which is a key component in determining blood compatibility for transfusions and during pregnancy. Individuals who inherit the Rh antigen are considered Rh positive, while those lacking the antigen are considered Rh negative.
Rh antigens have significant implications in blood transfusion and pregnancy scenarios. For instance, when a person with Rh negative blood is exposed to Rh positive blood, their immune system may recognize the Rh antigen as foreign and produce antibodies against it. This can lead to severe immune reactions and complications if the person is subsequently exposed to Rh positive blood again.
During pregnancy, the Rh factor becomes particularly important. If an Rh negative woman carries an Rh positive fetus, it can lead to Rh sensitization, where the woman's immune system attacks the fetus's Rh positive cells, potentially causing severe conditions like hemolytic disease of the newborn. Medical interventions, such as Rh immune globulin shots, are often employed to prevent these complications.
In summary, the Rh antigen refers to a group of red blood cell surface proteins that determine an individual's Rh factor. Understanding the presence or absence of these antigens is essential for ensuring safe blood transfusions and preventing complications during pregnancy.
Common Misspellings for RH ANTIGEN
- eh antigen
- dh antigen
- fh antigen
- th antigen
- 5h antigen
- 4h antigen
- rg antigen
- rb antigen
- rn antigen
- rj antigen
- ru antigen
- ry antigen
- rh zntigen
- rh sntigen
- rh wntigen
- rh qntigen
- rh abtigen
- rh amtigen
- rh ajtigen
- rh ahtigen
Etymology of RH ANTIGEN
The word "rh antigen" is derived from the term "Rhesus antigen". The Rhesus system, also known as the Rh system, is a blood group system named after Rhesus monkeys, as it was first discovered in these primates.
In 1939, Karl Landsteiner and Alexander S. Wiener discovered the Rh factor in human blood. They identified an antigen on the surface of red blood cells that caused reactions when they came into contact with certain antibodies. Since the Rhesus monkeys were used in their experiments, the antigen was named after them.
The term "rh antigen" is commonly used to refer to the specific Rh(D) antigen, also known as the Rh factor, which plays a significant role in blood transfusion and pregnancy.
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