Pathology · Multiple Systems · Medium
Endotoxin
Meaning: Poisonous lipopolysaccharide in the outer wall of Gram-negative bacteria, released when the cells break down.
In practice: Endotoxin release from Gram-negative bacteria can trigger septic shock in severely unwell patients.
Word parts
- endo- means inside
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: Development of detectable antibodies in the blood following infection or vaccination.
Answer: Seroconversion
Which word means: A blood clot that forms inside a blood vessel and obstructs flow.
Answer: Thrombus
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