Invagination meaning

Invagination refers to the process of folding or turning inward to form a pocket or pouch.


Invagination definitions

Word backwards noitanigavni
Part of speech The word "invagination" is a noun.
Syllabic division in-va-gi-na-tion
Plural The plural of invagination is invaginations.
Total letters 12
Vogais (3) i,a,o
Consonants (4) n,v,g,t

Invagination is a biological process that occurs when a portion of a structure is folded inwards, forming an invagination or pocket-like structure. This process is essential in various biological functions and plays a crucial role in embryonic development, wound healing, and cellular processes.

Embryonic Development

During embryonic development, invagination plays a vital role in shaping the early embryo into its final form. In processes such as gastrulation, cells at the surface of the embryo will invaginate, forming the germ layers that will give rise to different tissues and organs in the body. This intricate process is fundamental in establishing the basic body plan of an organism.

Cellular Processes

On a cellular level, invagination is involved in various processes such as the formation of vesicles for intracellular transport and the folding of cell membranes during endocytosis. This allows cells to take in nutrients, remove waste, and communicate with other cells efficiently. Invagination is also crucial in the formation of neural tubes during neural development.

Wound Healing

Another essential role of invagination is in wound healing. When tissues are damaged, cells at the wound site will undergo invagination to migrate and cover the wound, facilitating the healing process. This cellular movement and shape change are vital for the restoration of tissue integrity and function.

Invagination is a complex biological process that occurs at different levels of organization in an organism, from embryonic development to cellular functions. Understanding the mechanisms and significance of invagination is critical in various fields of biology and biomedical research.


Invagination Examples

  1. During embryonic development, invagination occurs when a sheet of cells folds inward to form a gastrula.
  2. In medicine, invagination refers to the process of one part of the intestine slipping into another part, causing an obstruction.
  3. The invagination of a membrane allows for the formation of complex structures in cells.
  4. Some organisms use invagination as a means of capturing prey or defending against predators.
  5. In geology, invagination can refer to the folding of rock layers due to tectonic forces.
  6. Certain surgical procedures involve the invagination of tissues to repair damaged organs.
  7. Invagination is a common technique used in the culinary arts to create stuffed pastries.
  8. During cell division, invagination plays a key role in the formation of daughter cells.
  9. The invagination of a virus into a host cell is a critical step in the infection process.
  10. Researchers are studying the invagination of neural tissue to better understand brain development.


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  • Updated 27/04/2024 - 15:03:45