PROTOLEUCOCYTE Meaning and
Definition
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Protoleucocyte is a term used in the field of biology and medicine, specifically in the context of immunology and hematopoiesis. It refers to an immature or precursor form of a white blood cell called a leukocyte. Leukocytes are crucial components of the immune system, responsible for defending the body against pathogens and foreign substances.
The term "protoleucocyte" is derived from the Greek words "proto," meaning first or primitive, and "leukos," meaning white. Thus, it can be understood as an early or nascent form of a white blood cell. Protoleucocytes are produced within the bone marrow through the process of hematopoiesis, where they originate from pluripotent stem cells.
These precursor cells then undergo several stages of maturation and differentiation to develop into the different types of white blood cells, such as neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. Each type of white blood cell has its specific function in the immune response.
Understanding the development and characteristics of protoleucocytes is important in diagnosing and monitoring various blood and immune disorders. Examining the proportions and morphological features of these immature cells can provide insights into the presence of certain diseases, such as leukemia or other bone marrow disorders. Additionally, studying the behavior and maturation process of protoleucocytes can contribute to the knowledge of how the immune system functions and how it can be regulated or manipulated for therapeutic purposes.
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A primitive leucocyte; a lymphocyte of the bone-marrow.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PROTOLEUCOCYTE
- protoleucocype
- protoleucocyve
- protoleucocyue
- protoleucocytu
- protoleucocytm
- protoleucocyta
- protoleucocytg
- protwoleucocyte
- pr otoleucocyte
- pro toleucocyte
- prot oleucocyte
- proto leucocyte
- protol eucocyte
- protole ucocyte
- protoleu cocyte
- protoleuc ocyte
- protoleuco cyte
- protoleucoc yte
- protoleucocy te
- protoleucocyt e
Etymology of PROTOLEUCOCYTE
The word "protoleucocyte" is formed by combining two Greek roots:
1. "Proto-" is derived from the Greek word "protos" (πρῶτος), which means "first" or "primitive".
2. "Leucocyte" comes from the Greek word "leukos" (λευκός), which means "white", and "kytos" (κύτος), which means "cell".
Therefore, the word "protoleucocyte" combines these two roots to refer to an early or primitive white blood cell.
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