Physiology · Immune System · Hard
Pyrogen
Meaning: A substance that causes fever by acting on the hypothalamic temperature set point.
In practice: Interleukin-1 acts as an endogenous pyrogen during infection, raising body temperature.
Quick check
Two questions on related physiology words.
Which word means: Eicosanoid made by activated platelets that promotes clumping and vasoconstriction.
Answer: Thromboxane
Which word means: To adjust physiologically in response to environmental or functional demands over time.
Answer: Adapt
Words like pyrogen come up in the daily game
One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.