Island

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Island (Medical Term)

Island (pronounced: /ˈaɪlənd/) is a term used in various medical contexts to describe a distinct, isolated area or structure within the body. The term is derived from the Old English īegland, which literally means 'water-land'.

Etymology

The term 'island' in the medical context has the same etymology as the geographical term. It comes from the Old English īegland, which is a compound of īeg ('island') and land ('land'). The term was used metaphorically in the medical context to describe isolated areas or structures within the body that are surrounded by a different type of tissue or substance.

Usage in Medical Context

In medicine, 'island' is often used to describe a distinct, isolated area or structure within the body. For example, the term 'islet' or 'island of Langerhans' (Islets of Langerhans) is used to describe the regions of the pancreas that contain its endocrine (hormone-producing) cells. Similarly, the term 'island flap' (Island Flap) is used in plastic surgery to describe a type of skin graft.

Related Terms

  • Islets of Langerhans: These are tiny clusters of cells scattered throughout the pancreas. They are named after the German physician Paul Langerhans, who first identified them. The islets of Langerhans produce insulin and other important hormones.
  • Island Flap: This is a surgical technique where a section of tissue is lifted from a donor site and moved to a recipient site with an intact blood supply.
  • Island Sign: In radiology, an 'island sign' is a radiological sign seen in intracranial hemorrhage.
  • Island Dressing: This is a type of wound dressing that has an adhesive border and a non-adherent central pad.

External links

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