How Do You Spell PHAGOCYTIC INDEX?

Pronunciation: [fˌaɡəsˈɪtɪk ˈɪndɛks] (IPA)

The spelling of "phagocytic index" can be tricky, with its complex phonetics. The first part "phagocytic" is pronounced /fəˌɡɑːsɪˈtɪk/, where "ph" makes the "f" sound and "g" is silent. The second part "index" is pronounced /ˈɪndeks/, with a silent "d" and emphasis on the first syllable. Together, the word refers to the measurement of the activity of cells that engulf and destroy bacteria, and has become an essential tool in immunology research.

PHAGOCYTIC INDEX Meaning and Definition

1. The phagocytic index refers to a quantitative measure used in immunology and microbiology to assess the phagocytic activity of immune cells, particularly phagocytes such as macrophages and neutrophils. It quantifies the efficiency of these cells in engulfing and destroying invading microorganisms, foreign substances, or dead cells through a process called phagocytosis.

   The phagocytic index is typically calculated by determining the number of microorganisms or particles that have been phagocytosed by a specific number of phagocytes within a given time period. This calculation allows researchers to compare the phagocytic capacity between different individuals, diseases, or experimental conditions.

   To measure the phagocytic index, samples containing phagocytes and the target microorganisms or particles are mixed together and incubated for a specified duration. Subsequently, the samples are treated with agents that halt further phagocytosis and remove any unbound microorganisms or particles. The cells are then observed under a microscope, and the number of phagocytosed entities are counted and recorded. The result is expressed as the average number of phagocytosed entities per phagocyte, providing a numerical value that represents the phagocytic index.

   The phagocytic index is an important tool in assessing the functional status of the immune system, diagnosing immunodeficiencies, monitoring disease progression, and evaluating the efficacy of treatments or interventions that aim to enhance or suppress phagocytic activity.

2. • See phagocytic.

   • A figure noting the average number of bacteria contained in each leucocyte after incubating a mixture of washed leucocytes, serum, and a bacterial culture.

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

Common Misspellings for PHAGOCYTIC INDEX

• ohagocytic index
• lhagocytic index
• -hagocytic index
• 0hagocytic index
• pgagocytic index
• pbagocytic index
• pnagocytic index
• pjagocytic index
• puagocytic index
• pyagocytic index
• phzgocytic index
• phsgocytic index
• phwgocytic index
• phqgocytic index
• phafocytic index
• phavocytic index
• phabocytic index
• phahocytic index
• phayocytic index
• phatocytic index

Etymology of PHAGOCYTIC INDEX

The word "phagocytic" originates from the Greek word "phagein", meaning "to eat" or "devour", and the word "kytos", which means "cell". "Phagocytic" is derived from "phagocyte", which refers to a type of cell that can engulf and digest harmful particles, such as bacteria or cell debris, within the body.

The term "index" in "phagocytic index" refers to a quantitative measure or ratio used to assess a particular characteristic or function. In this context, the "phagocytic index" represents a numerical score or measurement used to evaluate the efficiency or capability of phagocytic cells in engulfing and digesting foreign particles.