FOCAL NECROSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Focal necrosis is a medical term used to describe the localized death of cells or tissues within a specific area of an organ or tissue. It refers to the process in which a small region of cells loses its ability to function and eventually dies. Necrosis is typically a result of cellular injury, infection, or inadequate blood supply to the affected area.
The term "focal" indicates that the necrotic area is limited to a specific region instead of affecting the entire organ or tissue. This distinguishes it from other types of necrosis, such as coagulative necrosis or caseous necrosis, which may involve larger areas.
Focal necrosis can occur in various organs and tissues, including the liver, kidney, heart, brain, and skeletal muscle, among others. The underlying causes of focal necrosis can vary depending on the affected organ, but they often include factors like ischemia (lack of blood supply), toxins, infections, or autoimmune reactions. The dead tissue is typically replaced by scar tissue during the healing process.
Diagnosis of focal necrosis is often done through imaging techniques like ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Treatment for focal necrosis aims at addressing the underlying cause to prevent further damage, promote healing, and restore organ function. This may involve medications, surgical intervention, or lifestyle modifications, depending on the specific condition and affected organ.
In summary, focal necrosis refers to the localized death of cells or tissues within a specific area of an organ or tissue. It is typically caused by injury, infection, or inadequate blood supply, and its management depends on the underlying cause and affected organ.
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The occurrence of numerous small necrotic foci, usually in the course of various infections and intoxications.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for FOCAL NECROSIS
- focal necrosas
- focal necrosms
- focal necroshs
- focal necrosi3
- focal necrosic
- focal necrosiq
- focal necrosir
- f ocal necrosis
- fo cal necrosis
- foc al necrosis
- foca l necrosis
- focal n ecrosis
- focal ne crosis
- focal nec rosis
- focal necr osis
- focal necro sis
- focal necros is
- focal necrosi s
Etymology of FOCAL NECROSIS
The word "focal necrosis" can be broken down into two components - "focal" and "necrosis".
1. Focal:
The term "focal" comes from the Latin word "focus", which means "hearth" or "fireplace". It later extended to refer to a central point or principal part. In medical terminology, "focal" is used to describe a condition or symptom that is localized or specific to a particular area.
2. Necrosis:
The word "necrosis" is derived from the Greek term "nekrosis", which is formed from the words "nekros" (meaning "dead") and the suffix "-osis" (denoting a condition or process). "Nekros" ultimately originates from the Proto-Indo-European root "nek" meaning "death" or "dead".
