Clumping
Clumping
Clumping (/ˈklʌmpɪŋ/), also known as agglutination, is a process in which particles or cells adhere to each other to form a cluster. It is a common phenomenon in various fields, including biology, chemistry, and medicine.
Etymology
The term "clumping" originates from the Old English word "clump", which means a compacted mass or lump. The medical usage of the term, referring to the agglutination of cells or particles, has been in use since the late 19th century.
In Medicine
In the field of medicine, clumping often refers to the agglutination of blood cells, particularly red blood cells and white blood cells. This can occur in response to certain antibodies or pathogens, and is a crucial part of the body's immune response.
Clumping can also refer to the aggregation of bacteria or other microorganisms, which can be a sign of infection or disease. In microbiology, clumping is often used as a diagnostic tool to identify specific types of bacteria.
Related Terms
- Agglutination: The process of clumping together, in particular of cells or particles.
- Coagulation: The process by which blood changes from a liquid to a gel, forming a clot. It potentially results in hemostasis, the cessation of blood loss from a damaged vessel.
- Flocculation: A process wherein colloids come out of suspension in the form of floc or flake, either spontaneously or due to the addition of a clarifying agent.
- Sedimentation: The tendency for particles in suspension to settle out of the fluid in which they are entrained and come to rest against a barrier.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Clumping
- Wikipedia's article - Clumping
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