MICROMYELOCYTE Meaning and
Definition
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Micromyelocyte is a term used in medical sciences, specifically in the field of hematology, to describe a small-sized abnormal cell that appears in the bone marrow. It is derived from the combining of two words; "micro" meaning small, and "myelocyte" which is a type of immature white blood cell found in the bone marrow.
A micromyelocyte can be characterized as a smaller and less mature form of myelocyte compared to the typical size and maturity. Myelocytes are large cells with a round nucleus that are slightly smaller than mature white blood cells or granulocytes. These cells are usually found during bone marrow examinations as part of the process of diagnosing blood disorders.
The presence of micromyelocytes may suggest certain pathological conditions, such as myeloproliferative disorders or myeloid leukemia. Myeloproliferative disorders are a group of diseases involving the overproduction of white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets in the bone marrow. Myeloid leukemia, on the other hand, refers to a type of cancer that involves the excessive production of abnormal white blood cells.
In summary, a micromyelocyte is a smaller and less mature form of myelocyte that can be seen in bone marrow examinations. Its presence may indicate certain blood disorders, highlighting the importance of thorough diagnostic evaluation and subsequent medical treatment.
Etymology of MICROMYELOCYTE
The word "micromyelocyte" derives from the combination of two elements: "micro-" and "myelocyte".
1. "Micro-" is a prefix used to indicate smallness or something microscopic in size. It comes from the Greek word "mikros", meaning small or little.
2. "Myelocyte" is a term used in the field of hematology to refer to a precursor cell in the bone marrow that develops into a mature white blood cell. It is composed of two components: "myelo" and "-cyte".
- "Myelo" comes from the Greek word "myelos", meaning marrow or spinal cord. It also extends to refer to the tissue found within bone marrow.
- "-Cyte" is a suffix derived from the Greek word "kutos", indicating a cell or cellular element.
