Pathology · Multiple Systems · Easy
Apoptosis
Meaning: Programmed, orderly cell death in which a cell shrinks and breaks into fragments without triggering inflammation.
In practice: Damaged DNA that cannot be repaired normally pushes the cell towards apoptosis rather than uncontrolled growth.
Word parts
- -osis means an abnormal condition or process
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related pathology words.
Which word means: Genus of Gram-negative bacteria that causes infections in burns, lungs and hospital patients.
Answer: Pseudomonas
Which word means: Benign cartilage tumour growing inside the medullary cavity, most often in the small tubular bones of the hand.
Answer: Enchondroma
Words like apoptosis come up in the daily game
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