SPONGIOBLAST Meaning and
Definition
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A spongioblast is a term primarily used in the field of embryology and neuroscience, referring to a type of precursor or progenitor cell that gives rise to various types of glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Glial cells are non-neuronal cells that provide crucial support and protection to neurons in the CNS.
Derived from the Greek word "spongos," meaning sponge, and "blastos," meaning germ, a spongioblast can be described as an undifferentiated cell that possesses the capability to differentiate into distinct glial cell types such as astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and ependymal cells. These cells play vital roles in maintaining homeostasis, insulating neurons, supporting neuronal signaling, and regulating the microenvironment of the CNS.
During early embryonic development, spongioblasts arise from the neural tube, a structure that eventually gives rise to the brain and spinal cord. Under appropriate signaling cues and microenvironmental conditions, spongioblasts undergo differentiation and maturation into their respective glial cell types. This process is tightly regulated and essential for normal CNS development and function.
Understanding the characteristics and behavior of spongioblasts can provide valuable insights into diseases and conditions associated with glial cell dysfunction, such as gliomas, multiple sclerosis, and certain neurodevelopmental disorders. Studying the molecular mechanisms that control spongioblast differentiation and the factors influencing their proliferation and fate determination is an ongoing focus of research in the field of neurobiology.
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1. Amacrine cell. 2. A primitive neuroglia cell, one of the layer of columnar cells in the neural tube.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SPONGIOBLAST
- apongioblast
- zpongioblast
- xpongioblast
- dpongioblast
- epongioblast
- wpongioblast
- soongioblast
- slongioblast
- s-ongioblast
- s0ongioblast
- spingioblast
- spkngioblast
- splngioblast
- sppngioblast
- sp0ngioblast
- sp9ngioblast
- spobgioblast
- spomgioblast
- spojgioblast
Etymology of SPONGIOBLAST
The word "spongioblast" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "spongio" and "blast".
The root "spongio" comes from the Greek word "spongos" (σπόγγος), which means sponge. In early anatomical terminology, this term was used to describe structures with a spongy or porous appearance.
The suffix "blast" comes from the Greek word "blastós" (βλαστός), meaning germ or bud. In the context of biology and medicine, this term is often used to refer to precursor cells or immature cells undergoing development or differentiation.
Therefore, when combined, the word "spongioblast" refers to a cell that is intermediate or undergoing development in a spongy-like structure or tissue.
Similar spelling words for SPONGIOBLAST
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