Migration

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Migration (medicine) is a term used in medicine to describe the movement of cells within the body. This process is essential for the normal functioning of the body and plays a crucial role in various physiological and pathological processes.

Physiological Migration[edit | edit source]

Physiological migration refers to the normal movement of cells in the body. This process is essential for various bodily functions such as immune response, wound healing, and embryogenesis. For example, in the immune response, white blood cells migrate to the site of infection to fight off pathogens.

Pathological Migration[edit | edit source]

Pathological migration refers to the abnormal movement of cells in the body. This process is often associated with various diseases and conditions. For example, in cancer, malignant cells can migrate from their original site to other parts of the body, a process known as metastasis.

Mechanisms of Cell Migration[edit | edit source]

Cell migration is a complex process that involves various mechanisms. These include chemotaxis, in which cells move in response to chemical gradients; haptotaxis, in which cells move in response to gradients of adhesion; and durotaxis, in which cells move in response to gradients of stiffness.

Role in Disease[edit | edit source]

Abnormal cell migration can lead to various diseases and conditions. For example, in cancer, the migration of malignant cells can lead to the spread of the disease to other parts of the body. In autoimmune diseases, the migration of immune cells can lead to inflammation and tissue damage.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Migration Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD