Effector
Effector
Effector (/ɪˈfɛktər/), from the Latin efficere, meaning "to produce", is a term used in various fields of biology and medicine. It generally refers to molecules, cells, or organs that carry out a response in a biological system.
Etymology
The term "effector" is derived from the Latin word efficere, which means "to produce" or "to bring about". It was first used in the biological context in the late 19th century.
Definition
In biology and medicine, an effector is a part of an organism that acts in response to a stimulus. The term is used in various contexts, such as in the immune system, where an effector cell is a lymphocyte that performs a function in response to an antigen. In the nervous system, an effector can be a muscle or gland that responds to a nerve impulse. In biochemistry, an effector molecule can either increase or decrease the activity of an enzyme.
Related Terms
- Antigen: A substance that induces an immune response, specifically, the production of antibodies.
- Lymphocyte: A type of white blood cell that is part of the immune system.
- Enzyme: A protein that catalyzes a specific biochemical reaction.
- Nervous System: The network of nerve cells and fibers that transmits nerve impulses between parts of the body.
- Immune System: The body's defense against infectious organisms and other invaders.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Effector
- Wikipedia's article - Effector
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