Liquefaction
Liquefaction
Liquefaction (/lɪkwɪˈfækʃən/) is a process in which a solid substance or material converts into a liquid state due to an increase in temperature and/or pressure. In the medical field, this term is often used to describe the process of turning a solid mass into a liquid form, particularly in the context of necrosis or tissue death.
Etymology
The term 'liquefaction' is derived from the Latin word 'liquefacere', which means 'to make liquid'. It is a combination of 'liquere' (to be liquid) and 'facere' (to make).
Medical Context
In a medical context, liquefaction is often associated with certain pathological conditions. For instance, in necrosis, a form of cell injury which results in the premature death of cells in living tissue, liquefaction can occur. This is known as liquefactive necrosis, a type of necrosis characterized by the transformation of the tissue into a liquid viscous mass.
Another example is liquefaction degeneration, a condition that occurs in the eye, specifically in the vitreous humor. This is a process where the gel-like substance in the eye gradually turns into a liquid, often associated with aging or certain eye diseases.
Related Terms
- Necrosis: The death of most or all of the cells in an organ or tissue due to disease, injury, or failure of the blood supply.
- Vitreous Humor: The clear gel that fills the space between the lens and the retina of the eyeball.
- Liquefactive Necrosis: A type of necrosis which results in a transformation of the tissue into a liquid viscous mass.
- Liquefaction Degeneration: A condition that occurs in the eye where the gel-like substance in the eye gradually turns into a liquid.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Liquefaction
- Wikipedia's article - Liquefaction
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