Hemotoxin
Hemotoxin
Hemotoxin (pronunciation: /ˈhiːməˌtɒksɪn/), also known as haemotoxin, is a type of toxin that affects the blood (from Greek haima meaning "blood" and toxikon meaning "poison"). Hemotoxins are found in various types of organisms, most notably in certain species of snakes.
Etymology
The term "hemotoxin" is derived from the Greek words haima meaning "blood" and toxikon meaning "poison". It was first used in the late 19th century to describe toxins that specifically target the blood and blood cells.
Function
Hemotoxins work by disrupting the clotting process of blood, causing hemorrhage (uncontrolled bleeding). They can also cause hemolysis (the destruction of red blood cells), leading to anemia and other complications. Hemotoxins are often used by predatory animals, such as snakes, to immobilize their prey.
Related Terms
- Toxin: A poisonous substance produced within living cells or organisms.
- Blood: The red liquid that circulates in the arteries and veins of humans and other vertebrate animals, carrying oxygen to and carbon dioxide from the tissues of the body.
- Snake: A long limbless reptile which has no eyelids, a short tail, and jaws that are capable of considerable extension. Some snakes have a venomous bite.
- Hemorrhage: An escape of blood from a ruptured blood vessel, especially when profuse.
- Hemolysis: The rupture or destruction of red blood cells.
- Anemia: A condition marked by a deficiency of red blood cells or of hemoglobin in the blood, resulting in pallor and weariness.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hemotoxin
- Wikipedia's article - Hemotoxin
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