Crenations meaning

Crenations refer to the shrinking or contracting of a cell when exposed to a hypertonic solution.


Crenations definitions

Word backwards snoitanerc
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division cre-na-tions
Plural The plural of crenation is crenations.
Total letters 10
Vogais (4) e,a,i,o
Consonants (5) c,r,n,t,s

When blood cells are exposed to a hypertonic solution, they undergo a process called crenation. This phenomenon occurs when red blood cells lose water and shrink due to the higher concentration of solutes outside the cell compared to inside.

Crenated red blood cells have a distinctive appearance, with a scalloped or notched edge. This altered shape is a result of the cell membrane shrinking away from the cell's contents. The cells also become denser and less flexible, impacting their ability to carry oxygen effectively.

Causes of Crenation

Crenation can be caused by various factors, including exposure to a hypertonic solution, dehydration, or certain medical conditions. In a hypertonic environment, water moves out of the cell to try to balance the concentration of solutes, leading to cell shrinkage and deformation.

Effects of Crenation

One of the primary effects of crenation on red blood cells is a decrease in their ability to function properly. Altered cell shape affects their surface area and, consequently, their capacity to transport oxygen and other essential nutrients throughout the body. Additionally, crenated cells may have a shorter lifespan and be more prone to premature destruction.

Distinguishing between crenated and healthy red blood cells under a microscope can provide valuable insights into a patient's health status, as changes in red blood cell morphology can indicate underlying medical conditions or imbalances in the body's fluid and electrolyte levels.


Crenations Examples

  1. The presence of crenations on the red blood cells indicated a state of dehydration.
  2. Under the microscope, the cell membrane displayed intricate crenations.
  3. The artist used crenations in the design of the castle walls to give it a medieval appearance.
  4. The crenations along the edges of the leaves added a unique texture to the plant.
  5. The pastry chef created a beautiful crenated pattern on the pie crust.
  6. The scientist observed the formation of crenations on the surface of the lake due to the wind.
  7. The old map displayed crenations to represent mountain ranges and valleys.
  8. The woodcarver carved intricate crenations into the ornate frame of the mirror.
  9. The ancient gate had decorative crenations along the top edge.
  10. The leaves of the fern had delicate crenations that gave them a unique shape.


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  • Updated 05/07/2024 - 11:26:47