PMN Meaning: Definition and Examples
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PMN
[ˌpiːɛmˈɛn ]
Definition
medical terminology
PMN stands for polymorphonuclear leukocytes, which are a type of white blood cell characterized by their irregularly shaped nuclei. They play a critical role in the immune response by responding to infection and inflammation.
Synonyms
neutrophils, white blood cells.
Examples of usage
- The patient's blood test showed an elevated level of PMN.
- PMNs are essential for fighting bacterial infections.
- A high PMN count may indicate an underlying infection.
- Clinicians often assess PMN levels to monitor the patient's immune health.
Interesting Facts
Science
- PMNs are crucial in the body's fight against bacterial infections, acting as the first responders.
- They can consume (engulf) bacteria through a process called phagocytosis.
- These cells are short-lived and often die after responding to an infection, which makes way for new ones.
Medicine
- An increase in PMN levels can indicate an ongoing infection or inflammation in the body.
- Doctors often measure PMN counts during blood tests to assess a patient’s immune response.
- Certain diseases, like sepsis, show dramatically elevated PMN levels, as the body fights hard against extreme infections.
Cultural Significance
- In popular health discussions, a strong immune system is often equated with having sufficient PMNs available.
- Public health campaigns emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to support white blood cell production.
Origin of 'PMN'
Main points about word origin
- The abbreviation 'PMN' stands for 'polymorphonuclear leukocyte', referring to the cell's varied shape.
- The term 'leukocyte' comes from Greek roots where 'leuko-' means 'white' and '-cyte' means 'cell'.
- The concept of white blood cells was first studied in the 19th century, highlighting their role in immunity.
The term PMN originated from the medical field, specifically referring to a group of white blood cells known as polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The word 'polymorphonuclear' is derived from the Greek roots 'poly-' meaning 'many', 'morpho-' meaning 'form', and 'nuclear' relating to the nucleus of the cell. These cells are named for their diverse and irregularly shaped nuclei, which can take on various forms. They are a key component of the innate immune system, first responding to infections and inflammation. PMNs dominate the early stages of the immune response, and understanding their function has been critical in immunology and pathology. The terminology has evolved over time as research has expanded our understanding of immune cells and their contributions to health and disease.