MICROCYTOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Microcytosis is a medical term that refers to a condition where red blood cells (RBCs) are smaller in size than normal. It is derived from the combination of two words: "micro," meaning small, and "cytosis," which refers to the presence of cells. This condition is typically identified through a blood test, specifically a complete blood count (CBC), which measures various parameters of the blood, including RBC size.
In a normal healthy individual, red blood cells are of uniform size and shape. However, microcytosis occurs when the average size of RBCs is smaller than the reference range. The size of RBCs is commonly measured by a parameter called mean corpuscular volume (MCV), where values less than the defined limit indicate microcytosis.
Microcytosis can be an indicator of an underlying health problem, such as iron deficiency anemia or other types of anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common cause of microcytosis, which occurs when there is a shortage of iron in the body, leading to a reduced production of new red blood cells. Other causes may include genetic disorders like thalassemia or certain chronic diseases.
Treatment for microcytosis depends on the underlying cause. It often involves treating the main condition to restore normal RBC production and improve overall health. This may include iron supplementation, dietary changes, or medical interventions, depending on the specific diagnosis. Regular monitoring of blood parameters through follow-up blood tests is essential to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MICROCYTOSIS
- nicrocytosis
- kicrocytosis
- jicrocytosis
- mucrocytosis
- mjcrocytosis
- mkcrocytosis
- mocrocytosis
- m9crocytosis
- m8crocytosis
- mixrocytosis
- mivrocytosis
- mifrocytosis
- midrocytosis
- miceocytosis
- micdocytosis
- micfocytosis
- mictocytosis
- mic5ocytosis
- mic4ocytosis
Etymology of MICROCYTOSIS
The word "microcytosis" is formed from the combination of the prefix "micro-" meaning small, the root word "cyto-" meaning cell, and the suffix "-osis" meaning condition or process.
Etymologically, the prefix "micro-" is derived from the Greek word "mikros" meaning small. The root word "cyto-" originates from the Greek word "kytos" meaning cell. Lastly, the suffix "-osis" is derived from the Greek suffix "-ōsis" indicating a condition or process.
Therefore, "microcytosis" can be understood to mean a condition or process of having abnormally small cells. This term is commonly used in medical contexts, particularly in relation to the reduction in size of red blood cells known as microcytic anemia.
Similar spelling words for MICROCYTOSIS
- macrocytosis,
- micrococcus,
- microsomal,
- macrocosm,
- microcosmic,
- microscopic,
- macrocosmic,
- microsome,
- microstomus,
- microseism,
- microsorium,
- microstrobos,
- microcosm,
- microscopy,
- macrocytoses,
- microcyte,
- microsurgery,
- microcopy,
- microgliacyte.
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