ENDOTHELIOCYTE Meaning and
Definition
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Endotheliocyte is a term used in the field of biology and medicine to describe a specific type of cells known as endothelial cells. These cells are the main building blocks of the endothelium, a thin layer of cells that line the inner surface of blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and the heart.
Endotheliocytes are typically squamous or flat cells that form a continuous layer in blood vessels, providing a barrier between the bloodstream and surrounding tissues. They play a crucial role in maintaining vascular homeostasis by regulating the transport and exchange of substances across the vessel wall.
The essential functions of endotheliocytes include controlling blood vessel permeability, regulating blood clotting processes, secreting factors that influence blood flow, modulating inflammatory responses, and promoting the formation of new blood vessels in a process called angiogenesis. These cells also participate in various physiological processes such as immune responses, wound healing, and tissue regeneration.
Endotheliocytes are characterized by specific markers, such as vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM-1), which are used for their identification. Their structure and functions make them important targets for research and drug development in several pathological conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, inflammation, and vascular disorders.
In summary, endotheliocytes are specialized endothelial cells that line blood and lymphatic vessels, performing critical physiological functions in maintaining vascular integrity, controlling blood flow, and participating in various cellular processes.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ENDOTHELIOCYTE
- endotheliocyta
- endotheliocytg
- endewtheliocyte
- enduetheliocyte
- e ndotheliocyte
- en dotheliocyte
- end otheliocyte
- endo theliocyte
- endot heliocyte
- endoth eliocyte
- endothe liocyte
- endothel iocyte
- endotheli ocyte
- endothelio cyte
- endothelioc yte
- endotheliocy te
- endotheliocyt e
Etymology of ENDOTHELIOCYTE
The word "endotheliocyte" is derived from two Greek roots: "endothelio" and "cyte".
1. "Endothelio" comes from the Greek word "endothelium" (ἐνδοθήλιον), which can be broken down into two parts:
- "Endo" (ἔνδον) means "within" or "inside".
- "Thelium" (θήλιον) means "innermost layer" or "covering".
2. "Cyte" comes from the Greek word "kytos" (κῠτος), which means "cell".
Combining these roots, "endotheliocyte" is formed, with "endothelio" referring to the innermost layer and "cyte" referring to a cell.
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