Protoplasm Health Dictionary

The PROTOPLASM of the cell body. (See CELLS.)... cytoplasm

A minute protozoan organism consisting of a single cell, in which a nucleus is surrounded by protoplasm that changes its shape as the protozoon progresses or absorbs nourishment. Several varieties are found under di?erent conditions within the human body. One variety, Entamoeba coli, is found in the large intestine of humans without any associated disease; another, Entamoeba gingivalis, is found in the sockets of the teeth and associated with PYORRHOEA. Entamoeba histolytica is the causative organism of amoebic dysentery (see DYSENTERY); Acanthamoeba and Naegleria fowleri cause the infection of the brain known as MENINGOENCEPHALITIS. Entamoeba histolytica may also cause meningoencephalitis. Other forms are found in the genital organs.... amoeba

Gooey substances, usually proteins and starches, whose molecules can hold large amounts of a solvent (usually water) without dissolving. In lifeforms, virtually all fluids are held suspended in protein or starch colloids (hydrogels). (Examples: cell protoplasm, lime Jell-O.)... colloid

A variety of white blood cell produced in the LYMPHOID TISSUE and lymphatic glands (see LYMPHATICS; GLAND) of the body. It contains a simple, rounded nucleus surrounded by protoplasm generally described as non-granular. Two varieties of lymphocyte are described, small and large, and together they form over 20 per cent of the white cells of the blood. They play an important part in the production of ANTIBODIES, and in the rejection of transplanted organs such as the heart (see TRANSPLANTATION). This they do in two di?erent ways: what are known as B-lymphocytes produce antibodies, while T-lymphocytes attack and destroy antigens (see ANTIGEN) directly. The latter are known as T-lymphocytes because they are produced by the THYMUS GLAND. Their numbers are increased in TUBERCULOSIS and certain other diseases. Such an increase is known as LYMPHOCYTOSIS.... lymphocyte

The general term applied to minute protoplasmic cells, and particularly to those which cause MALARIA and allied diseases.... plasmodium

n. a cell that moves by sending out processes of its protoplasm in the same way as an amoeba.... amoebocyte

adj. 1. describing sweat glands that occur only in hairy parts of the body, especially the armpit and groin. These glands develop in the hair follicles and appear after puberty has been reached. The strong odours associated with sweating result from the action of bacteria on the sweat produced by apocrine glands. Compare eccrine. 2. describing a type of gland that loses part of its protoplasm when secreting. See secretion.... apocrine

n. the fine cell membrane, visible only under the electron microscope, that encloses the protoplasm of an *axon.... axolemma

(karyoplasm) n. the protoplasm making up the nucleus of a cell.... nucleoplasm

(plasmo-) combining form denoting 1. blood plasma. 2. protoplasm or cytoplasm.... plasm

n. a process occurring in bacteria and plants in which the protoplasm shrinks away from the rigid cell wall when the cell is placed in a *hypertonic solution. Plasmolysis is due to withdrawal of water from the cell by *osmosis.... plasmolysis

n. (pl. syncytia) a mass of *protoplasm containing several nuclei. Muscle fibres are syncytia. —syncytial adj.... syncytium