How Do You Spell PHAGOCYTOLYSIS?

1. Phagocytolysis is a scientific term used to describe the process by which phagocytic cells break down and digest ingested particles or foreign substances. It is a vital aspect of the immune system's response to infections and helps in removing harmful pathogens, cellular debris, and other unwanted materials from the body.

   The term "phagocytolysis" is derived from two root words: "phagocytosis" and "lysis." Phagocytosis refers to the mechanism by which specialized cells, such as macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells, engulf and internalize solid particles or foreign bodies. Lysis, on the other hand, refers to the breaking down or destruction of these internalized substances.

   During phagocytolysis, once the ingested particles have been enclosed within a specialized cell compartment called a phagosome, lysosomes - cellular organelles containing digestive enzymes - fuse with the phagosome. These enzymes, such as proteases, lipases, and nucleases, then break down the ingested particles into smaller components, which are subsequently recycled or excreted from the cell.

   Phagocytolysis plays a crucial role in both innate and adaptive immune responses, contributing to the elimination of pathogens and the presentation of antigens to the immune system. It is an intricate process regulated by various signaling molecules and receptors on the surface of phagocytic cells.

   Overall, phagocytolysis is an essential cellular process that ensures the proper functioning of the immune system by facilitating the degradation of engulfed materials and maintaining homeostasis within the body.

2. 1. Destruction of phagocytes, or leucocytes, occurring in the process of blood coagulation or as the result of the introduction of certain antagonistic foreign substances into the body. 2. A spontaneous breaking down of the phagocytes, preliminary (according to Metchnikoff) to the liberation of cytase, or complement.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PHAGOCYTOLYSIS

The word "phagocytolysis" is derived from several roots in Greek.

1. "Phago" comes from the Greek word "phagein", meaning "to eat". It refers to the process of engulfing and ingesting solid particles by a cell.

2. "Cyto" is derived from the Greek word "kytos", meaning "cell". It indicates the involvement of cells in the process.

3. "Lysis" is from the Greek word "lysis", which means "dissolution" or "destruction". It suggests the breaking down or destruction of the engulfed particles or cells.

When combined, "phagocytolysis" refers to the breakdown or destruction of particles or cells that have been engulfed by another cell through the process of phagocytosis.

Plural form of PHAGOCYTOLYSIS is PHAGOCYTOLYSES