Definition & Meaning: Blasto Word Root

The Word Root Blast/o comes from the Greek word Blastos meaning “bud” or “sprout.” This root is primarily used in medical and biological terminology to refer to cells, particularly those in the early stages of development. The use of this root helps in understanding the dynamic nature of cellular development and the origin of various types of cells in the body.

Understanding the Term: Blastocyst

One of the most commonly known words derived from the root Blast/o is blastocyst. This term is used in embryology to describe a structure formed in the early development of mammals. It is characterized by a fluid-filled cavity surrounded by a layer of cells. Here is a breakdown of the word:

• Blasto-: Bud or sprout
• -cyst: Sac or bladder
• Blastocyst: A structure formed in early embryonic development

Words Based on the Blasto Word Root

Commonly Used Words based on the Blasto Word Root

• Blastocyst: An early mammalian embryo with a fluid-filled cavity.
• Fibroblast: A cell that produces collagen and other fibers.
• Neuroblastoma: A cancer that arises from immature nerve cells, typically affecting children.

Archaic Words based on the Blasto Word Root

• Blastema: A mass of cells capable of growth and regeneration, forming an organ or body part.
• Blastokinesis: The movement of an embryo within the yolk mass in insect eggs.

Technical Words/Jargon based on the Blasto Word Root

• Blastoderm: A layer of cells forming on the surface of the yolk in avian or reptilian eggs, leading to the formation of the embryo.
• Hematoblast: A progenitor blood cell.
• Megaloblastic anaemia: A type of anaemia characterized by large, abnormal, immature red blood cells due to defective DNA synthesis.

Related Word Roots

• Cyto- (Greek): Referring to “cell.” Examples include cytology (the study of cells) and cytoplasm (the material within a cell, excluding the nucleus).
• Gen- (Greek): Meaning “origin” or “birth.” Examples include genesis (the formation or origin of something) and genetics (the study of heredity and variation in organisms).
• Oma- (Greek): Pertaining to “tumor” or “growth.” Examples include carcinoma (a type of cancer) and sarcoma (a malignant tumor of connective tissue).