Droplet nuclei
Droplet Nuclei
Droplet nuclei (/ˈdrɒplɪt ˈnjuːkliː/), also known as respiratory droplet nuclei, are tiny particles that are formed from the evaporation of larger droplets, such as those expelled from the respiratory tract during coughing, sneezing, or talking.
Etymology
The term "droplet nuclei" is derived from the words "droplet", which refers to a small drop of liquid, and "nuclei", which is the plural form of "nucleus", referring to the central part of something. In this context, it refers to the central part of a droplet that remains after the liquid component has evaporated.
Related Terms
- Aerosol: A suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or another gas. Droplet nuclei are a type of aerosol.
- Respiratory tract: The pathway that air follows to get into and out of the lungs. Droplet nuclei are often expelled from the respiratory tract.
- Infectious disease: Diseases caused by organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Many of these diseases are spread, in part, by droplet nuclei.
Transmission
Droplet nuclei are a common mode of transmission for many infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, measles, and COVID-19. These tiny particles can remain suspended in the air for long periods of time and can be inhaled into the lungs, potentially causing infection.
Prevention
Preventing the spread of diseases transmitted by droplet nuclei often involves measures to reduce the production of respiratory droplets, such as wearing masks, and improving ventilation to disperse and remove droplets from the air.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Droplet nuclei
- Wikipedia's article - Droplet nuclei
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