FOAM CELL Meaning and
Definition
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A foam cell is a specialized type of cell that occurs in atherosclerotic plaques, which are fatty deposits that build up inside the walls of arteries. In the early stages of atherosclerosis, immune cells called macrophages engulf and accumulate oxidized low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in the arterial wall. These macrophages become foam cells, characterized by their appearance under a microscope, which exhibits cytoplasm filled with numerous lipid droplets. Foam cells are a hallmark of the fatty streaks that form in the arterial walls, ultimately leading to the development of atherosclerotic plaques.
The formation of foam cells plays a crucial role in the progression of atherosclerosis. Foam cells contribute to the inflammation and thickening of the arterial wall, promoting the formation of plaques. Moreover, they release pro-inflammatory molecules, oxidized lipids, and other substances that contribute to plaque instability, potentially leading to the rupture of the plaque and the subsequent formation of blood clots.
Foam cells are considered a key player in atherogenesis, the initial phase of atherosclerosis. Understanding the formation and function of foam cells is crucial to developing therapeutic interventions for preventing or treating atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.
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Mikulicz's cell, one of the characteristic vacuolated connective-tissue cells, often containing numbers of the pathogenic bacilli, found in rhino-scleroma.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for FOAM CELL
- doam cell
- coam cell
- voam cell
- goam cell
- toam cell
- roam cell
- fiam cell
- fkam cell
- fpam cell
- f0am cell
- f9am cell
- fozm cell
- fosm cell
- fowm cell
- foqm cell
- foan cell
- foak cell
- foaj cell
- foam xell
- foam vell
Etymology of FOAM CELL
The etymology of the word "foam cell" can be understood by breaking it down into its individual components.
1. Foam: The word "foam" originated from the Old English word "fām", which means "foam" or "froth". It is related to the Proto-Germanic word "faumaz" and the Proto-Indo-European root word "pum", both of which also refer to foam.
2. Cell: The word "cell" has a Latin origin, derived from the Latin word "cella", meaning "small room" or "cell". It has been used since Middle English to depict a small, enclosed space.
When these two words are combined, "foam cell" refers to a cell or chamber filled with foam.
Similar spelling words for FOAM CELL
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