Filament
Filament (Medicine)
Filament (/fɪləmənt/; from Latin filum meaning "thread") is a term used in various medical contexts. It generally refers to a thread-like structure, often part of a larger system or structure within the body.
Anatomy
In anatomy, a filament often refers to a slender thread-like object or fiber, especially one found in animal or plant structures. For example, the myofibrils in muscle tissue are made up of repeating sections of sarcomeres, which are themselves composed of long, fibrous proteins that slide past each other when the muscles contract and relax. These proteins are known as actin and myosin filaments.
Microbiology
In microbiology, filaments refer to a long chain of proteins, such as those found in hair-like structures (pili) on the surface of bacteria, which help them adhere to surfaces. Filamentous bacteria, such as Actinomyces, are bacteria that form long filamentous branches.
Ophthalmology
In ophthalmology, a filament is a thread-like formation on the eye, often associated with filamentary keratitis, a condition characterized by the presence of filament-like structures adhering to the cornea.
Related Terms
- Actin Filament: A protein filament in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells that forms part of the cytoskeleton.
- Intermediate Filament: A type of cytoskeletal filament made from proteins that are intermediate in size between microtubules and microfilaments.
- Microfilament: The smallest type of cytoskeletal filament, composed of the protein actin and involved in cell movement and shape changes.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Filament
- Wikipedia's article - Filament
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