Biconcave
Biconcave
Biconcave (pronunciation: /ˌbaɪkənˈkeɪv/), also known as concave on both sides, is a term used in various fields of study, including optics, biology, and medicine. The term originates from the Latin words "bi-", meaning "two", and "concavus", meaning "hollowed or curved inwards".
In the context of medicine, a biconcave shape is often associated with the structure of certain cells, most notably the red blood cells (RBCs). The biconcave shape of RBCs is crucial for their function, as it increases the surface area for gas exchange and allows the cells to deform and pass through tiny capillaries.
Related Terms
- Concave: A surface or line that curves inwards.
- Convex: A surface or line that curves outwards, the opposite of concave.
- Hemoglobin: The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
- Capillaries: The smallest blood vessels in the body, where the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products occurs.
See Also
- Anemia: A condition characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood.
- Sickle Cell Anemia: A genetic disease that causes red blood cells to become misshapen and break down.
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Biconcave
- Wikipedia's article - Biconcave
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