Flora
Flora (Medicine)
Flora (pronounced: /ˈflɔːrə/) is a term used in the field of medicine to refer to the collective microorganisms that inhabit various parts of the human body, including the skin, mouth, gut, and other areas. These microorganisms, which include bacteria, fungi, and viruses, play a crucial role in maintaining health and preventing disease.
Etymology
The term "flora" comes from the Latin word flora, which means "flower". In the context of medicine, it is used metaphorically to refer to the diverse array of microorganisms that "bloom" in the human body, much like flowers in a garden.
Related Terms
- Microbiota: This is another term for the microorganisms that inhabit the human body. It is often used interchangeably with "flora".
- Microbiome: This refers to the collective genomes of the microorganisms that reside in an environmental niche. The human microbiome, therefore, is the collective genomes of the human flora.
- Probiotics: These are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for health, especially the digestive system. They are often referred to as "good" or "friendly" bacteria because they help keep the gut healthy.
- Prebiotics: These are specialized plant fibers that beneficially nourish the good bacteria already in the large bowel or colon.
- Dysbiosis: This is a term for a microbial imbalance on or inside the body; in other words, an imbalance in the flora.
- Pathogen: This is a bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Flora
- Wikipedia's article - Flora
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