Polarization
Polarization (Medicine)
Polarization (pronunciation: /ˌpoʊ.lər.əˈzeɪ.ʃən/) in the field of medicine refers to the process by which cells, tissues, or organs undergo a shift in their electrical charge distribution, leading to changes in their function or structure. This term is often used in the context of neuroscience and immunology.
Etymology
The term 'polarization' originates from the Latin word 'polaris', meaning 'of or relating to the poles'. In the medical context, it was first used in the mid-19th century to describe the electrical changes occurring in nerve cells during signal transmission.
Related Terms
- Depolarization: The process by which the electrical charge of a cell becomes less negative, often leading to the initiation of an action potential in neurons.
- Hyperpolarization: The process by which the electrical charge of a cell becomes more negative, making it less likely for an action potential to occur.
- Repolarization: The process by which a cell returns to its resting state after depolarization.
- Cellular polarization: The process by which cells develop a front and a back, or a top and a bottom, which is crucial for cell migration and tissue development.
- T cell polarization: The process by which T cells, a type of white blood cell, differentiate into various subtypes with distinct functions in the immune response.
See Also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Polarization
- Wikipedia's article - Polarization
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