SPHEROCYTES Meaning and
Definition
-
Spherocytes are abnormally shaped red blood cells characterized by their spherical or globular appearance. These cells are frequently found in medical conditions known as hemolytic anemias, where the destruction of red blood cells is increased. Spherocytes differ from normal biconcave-shaped red blood cells as they lack the central pallor, causing them to appear denser and smaller in size.
The formation of spherocytes can occur due to various underlying causes, including certain hereditary conditions like hereditary spherocytosis, autoimmune disorders such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia, or in response to certain medications or toxins. In hereditary spherocytosis, defects in proteins within the red blood cell membrane lead to a weak and more permeable structure, causing the cell to gradually lose its biconcave shape and become spherical.
The presence of spherocytes can be identified through blood tests, such as a peripheral blood smear or a complete blood count. These tests help to determine the number, appearance, and size of the red blood cells, providing crucial information for diagnosing and monitoring the underlying condition causing spherocytosis.
Clinically, the presence of spherocytes contributes to the signs and symptoms of hemolytic anemias, including fatigue, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, and jaundice due to increased breakdown of red blood cells and subsequent release of bilirubin. Treatment options vary depending on the cause of spherocytosis but may include blood transfusions, medications to modulate the immune system, or, in severe cases, surgical removal of the spleen.
Common Misspellings for SPHEROCYTES
- apherocytes
- zpherocytes
- xpherocytes
- dpherocytes
- epherocytes
- wpherocytes
- soherocytes
- slherocytes
- s-herocytes
- s0herocytes
- spgerocytes
- spberocytes
- spnerocytes
- spjerocytes
- spuerocytes
- spyerocytes
- sphwrocytes
- sphsrocytes
- sphdrocytes
- sphrrocytes
Etymology of SPHEROCYTES
The word "Spherocytes" is derived from two components:
1. "Sphere": The term "sphere" comes from the Latin word "sphaera", which means ball or globe. This root refers to a three-dimensional geometric figure that is perfectly round or circular in shape.
2. "Cyte": The suffix "-cyte" is derived from the Greek word "kutos", which means "cell". It is commonly used in biological terminology to refer to a cell or a type of cell.
Therefore, "Spherocytes" combines these two components to describe a specific type of red blood cell that has a spherical shape. These cells are often associated with various medical conditions or abnormalities in the blood.
