MITOTIC INDEX Meaning and
Definition
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The mitotic index refers to a quantitative measure that assesses the rate of cell division in a population of cells undergoing mitosis. It is typically expressed as the percentage of cells in a given sample that are actively undergoing mitosis at a particular time. The mitotic index serves as an important tool in various fields of study, including cytology, pathology, and developmental biology.
To determine the mitotic index, a tissue sample is collected, usually from a specific region of interest, and processed for microscopic analysis. The number of cells in mitosis is then counted and divided by the total number of cells observed in the sample. This calculation yields the mitotic index, which indicates the proportion of actively dividing cells within the tissue.
The mitotic index is often used as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in cancer research and pathology. High mitotic indices are indicative of rapidly dividing cancer cells, which may correlate with aggressive tumor growth and an increased likelihood of metastasis. Conversely, low mitotic indices are observed in tissues with slow or inactive cell division, such as adult quiescent tissues.
In addition to its clinical significance, the mitotic index also aids in assessing the effects of various biological and physical factors on cell division. It allows scientists to quantify changes in cell proliferation rates under different experimental conditions, compare the efficacy of different drugs or treatments, and understand the dynamic nature of tissue growth and regeneration.
Common Misspellings for MITOTIC INDEX
- nitotic index
- kitotic index
- jitotic index
- mutotic index
- mjtotic index
- mktotic index
- mototic index
- m9totic index
- m8totic index
- mirotic index
- mifotic index
- migotic index
- miyotic index
- mi6otic index
- mi5otic index
- mititic index
- mitktic index
- mitltic index
- mitptic index
- mit0tic index
Etymology of MITOTIC INDEX
The word "mitotic" derives from the Greek word "mitos", meaning "a thread" or "a warp". It is related to the Greek verb "meioun", which means "to reduce" or "to lessen". The term "mitotic" was coined in the early 20th century to describe the process of cell division known as mitosis.
The term "index" originated from the Latin word "index", which means "a guide" or "a pointer". It is derived from the verb "indicere", meaning "to show" or "to point out". In scientific context, an index often refers to a numerical value or ratio that represents a particular characteristic or property.
Therefore, the term "mitotic index" combines these two words to describe a numerical value that represents the level of mitotic activity or division within a cell population.
