Sejtöblösödik

Sejtöblösödik is a Hungarian term that translates to "cell swelling" or "cellular edema" in English. It refers to a pathological condition where cells within a tissue or organ increase in volume due to an accumulation of fluid. This swelling is often a consequence of impaired cellular function, particularly related to the cell's ability to maintain osmotic balance.

The primary mechanism behind cellular edema involves a disturbance in the ionic gradients across the cell membrane. Normally, cells actively pump ions, such as sodium, out of the intracellular space, maintaining a lower concentration of solutes inside the cell compared to the extracellular environment. This osmotic pressure difference prevents excessive water from entering the cell. However, when cellular energy production is compromised (e.g., due to hypoxia or lack of ATP), these ion pumps fail. Consequently, sodium ions accumulate within the cell, drawing water in via osmosis.

Causes of sejtöblösödik can be diverse, including lack of oxygen (hypoxia), exposure to certain toxins, imbalances in electrolytes, and viral infections. While mild cellular swelling might be reversible if the underlying cause is corrected, severe or prolonged edema can lead to the rupture of the cell membrane, resulting in cell death (necrosis). This cellular damage can have significant functional consequences for the affected tissue or organ. Microscopic examination of tissue samples is often used to diagnose and assess the extent of cellular edema.