APICAL PROCESS Meaning and
Definition
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An apical process refers to a specialized projection or extension emanating from the apex or tip of a cellular structure, organ, or organism. The term "apical" originates from the Latin word "apex," which means the highest or topmost point, indicating that the process is located at the highest point or tip of a given structure.
In cellular biology, an apical process commonly refers to a protrusion found on the apical surface of polarized epithelial cells. Epithelial cells are arranged in sheets and have distinct apical and basolateral surfaces. The apical process, also known as a microvillus, is a finger-like projection composed of actin filaments and serves to increase the surface area of the cell for better absorption and secretion of substances.
In some organisms, such as insects, an apical process can also refer to a slender extension found at the tip of certain organs or appendages. For example, the apical process of the antenna in insects is a thin, elongated structure that aids in sensory perception, enabling the organism to receive information about its environment.
Overall, an apical process represents an anatomical feature that is localized at the highest point or tip of a structure, which could serve various functions depending on the specific context in which it is found.
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The process extending from the apex of a pyramidal cell of the cerebral cortex toward the surface.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for APICAL PROCESS
- zpical process
- spical process
- wpical process
- qpical process
- aoical process
- alical process
- a-ical process
- a0ical process
- apucal process
- apjcal process
- apkcal process
- apocal process
- ap9cal process
- ap8cal process
- apixal process
- apival process
- apifal process
- apidal process
- apiczl process
- apicsl process
Etymology of APICAL PROCESS
The word "apical" can be traced back to the Latin word "apex", which means "tip" or "point". It has been borrowed into English to refer to the highest or topmost part of something.
The term "process" originates from the Latin word "processus", which means "progress" or "advance". In anatomy and biology, "process" refers to a projection, outgrowth, or extension from a larger structure.
Therefore, the etymology of the word "apical process" combines "apical" meaning "tip" or "highest point" with "process" referring to an extension or projection. In biological terms, an "apical process" typically describes a structure or extension situated at the highest point of an organism or a larger anatomical part.
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