"Elliptocytosis" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers
Elliptocytosis is a rare blood disorder characterized by an abnormal shape of red blood cells, which becomes elliptical or tadpole-like instead of being the typical biconcave disk shape. It is usually inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern and can be caused by mutations in genes involved in the production of spectrin, a protein that gives red blood cells their flexibility and elasticity. Elliptocytosis can lead to anemia, easy bruising, and bleeding, among other symptoms.
Elliptocytosis: 5 Usage Examples
An elliptocyte is a type of red blood cell that is oval or elliptical in shape, rather than being biconcave disk-shaped like a typical red blood cell. Elliptocytes are often seen in patients with hemoglobinopathies, such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia, where the abnormal hemoglobin structure causes the red cells to take on this unusual shape.