Respirocyte
Respirocyte
Respirocyte (pronounced: res-pi-ro-cyte) is a term used in the field of Nanomedicine to describe a theoretical artificial red blood cell. The concept was first proposed by Robert A. Freitas Jr., a nanotechnology and nanomedicine researcher, in 1998.
Etymology
The term "Respirocyte" is derived from the Latin word "respirare" which means "to breathe", and the Greek word "kytos" meaning "a hollow" or "cell". Thus, the term essentially refers to a "breathing cell".
Definition
A Respirocyte is a proposed artificial red blood cell, designed to emulate and surpass the function of its natural counterpart. It is theorized to be capable of carrying and releasing oxygen and carbon dioxide molecules in the bloodstream, much like natural red blood cells, but with significantly higher efficiency.
Function
The primary function of a Respirocyte would be to transport oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and organs, and to carry carbon dioxide from the tissues and organs back to the lungs for exhalation. This process is known as Respiration.
Related Terms
- Nanomedicine: The medical application of nanotechnology.
- Nanotechnology: The manipulation of matter on an atomic, molecular, and supramolecular scale.
- Respiration: The process of transporting oxygen from the outside air to the cells within tissues, and transporting carbon dioxide in the opposite direction.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Respirocyte
- Wikipedia's article - Respirocyte
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