CEPHALIN Meaning and
Definition
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Cephalin refers to a phospholipid compound present in the tissues and cells of many living organisms, primarily in animal cells. It is a type of glycerophospholipid, which means it consists of a glycerol molecule bonded to two fatty acid chains and a phosphate group. Cephalin is an essential component of cell membranes and plays a crucial role in their structure and function.
Functionally, cephalin is involved in various biological processes including membrane fluidity, stabilization of cell membranes, and cell signaling. It contributes to the overall integrity and permeability of cell membranes, which are responsible for controlling the passage of substances in and out of the cell. Moreover, cephalin is vital for specific cell membrane functions such as endocytosis and exocytosis.
In addition to its structural role, cephalin has been associated with blood clotting and coagulation processes. It acts as a cofactor, regulating the production of certain clotting factors in the blood. Thus, it is involved in maintaining the balance between clotting and bleeding.
Cephalin can be found in various tissues throughout the body, including the brain, lungs, liver, and nervous system. Although it is primarily found in animal cells, cephalin is also present in smaller amounts in some bacterial and plant cells.
Overall, cephalin is an essential phospholipid component of cell membranes, contributing to their structure, function, and integrity, while also playing a role in blood clotting processes.
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1. An organic extract, resembling lecithin, derived from brain substance. 2. A blood coagulant or hemostatic derived from the brain substance of the hog.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CEPHALIN
- cephaline
- cephaelin
- xephalin
- vephalin
- fephalin
- dephalin
- cwphalin
- csphalin
- cdphalin
- crphalin
- c4phalin
- c3phalin
- ceohalin
- celhalin
- ce-halin
- ce0halin
- cepgalin
- cepbalin
- cepnalin
- cepjalin
Etymology of CEPHALIN
The word "cephalin" originates from the Greek word "kephalḗ" (κεφαλή), which means "head" or "skull". In scientific terminology, "cephalin" refers to a group of phospholipids, primarily found in brain tissue, that are involved in the formation of cell membranes. The name "cephalin" is derived from the fact that these phospholipids were first discovered and isolated from brain tissue, which is located in the head.
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