word that includes cells, tissues and organs

[mollykins]

For biology homework we have to write about stem cells. In one section we have to explain rejecetion problems but is there a word I could use that encompasses cells, tussie and organs? I probably know it, but my mind is blank!

[Sqad]

Histology?

[mollykins]

*tissue. Not quite squad, not a word for the study of it, jsut a general word i could use instead of having to say cells, tissue or organs every time.

Also i'm sure we had to do 3 sources of stem cells and I've only got bone marrow and embryos . . .

[theprof]

I appreciate the difficulty Molly, but there isn't a single word to encompasses all three as far as I know. Granted they all made up of cells but I know that you can define them in this way yourself.
I sometimes read an academic journal oddly enough called "Cells Tissues Organs"

http://content.karger...197&ContentOnly=false

It makes sense to me that if a single word existed, the Swiss publishers would call it the "xyz journal" rather than "Cells Tissues Organs". I also think the fact that it used to have the latin name "Acta Anatomica" rather than an English title also supports my thinking.

[theprof]

oops I meant to add that the usual third source quoted for stem cells is umbilical cord blood. Others have been discovered since such as baby teeth and controversially, amniotic fluid.

[mollykins]

Thanks prof - I just found my notes from the lesson which had placenta on aswell . . .

[theprof]

Yes, you're right Molly. The placenta and amniotic fluid are sometimes referred to together as a source of stem cells in academic journals nowadays.

[mollykins]

We should invent a word. How dos an invented word become official, does it have to be published?

[theprof]

I agree Molly. I put the question to a group of postgraduate students in their common room earlier today (after they gave me formal permission to enter!) and they're working on it. I'll see what they come up with.

It would indeed probably have to be published perhaps initially as an initialism in a learned journal. This would lead to a response by other academics who would out of courtesy use the initialism. From there, it's a small step to being adopted by other academics and then on to dictionary status. It could take a couple of years or so to become generally adopted.

I've been down this route myself as I've got a particular scientific technique named after me! MrsProf laughs when I tell her that I'll live on forever.

[mollykins]

We may have started something big . . .

What kind of science do you teach, I'm guessing some kind of biology . . . Have they come up with an answer yet?

[bednobs]

if you are using word you could do an auto replace so that when you type "wurterz" (our new made up word for the three,) it comes up as cells, tissue and organs

[pa___ul3]

I'm no expert but I'd assume that because a word hasn't yet been 'invented' to encompass all three they're too different in essence to be categorised by one word.
So I'd suggest going down the 'yuppie' route... an abbreviation turned into a word. So my entry is 'ceto'!
Please bear in mind I'm a BA!!
Good idea though Molly, I like it when people see the limitations of language and spot a hole that could be filled!

[mollykins]

not bad paul but i'm sure if a word is invented it'd sound more 'sciency'. they're not that different seeing as cells make up tissues which make up organs.

[theprof]

Biochemistry nowadays Molly, although I've been a professor of chemistry and biological sciences during my career. I'm also university Dean which comes with its own workload. I'm also a visiting professor in various US and Canadian universities as well as one or two in Europe. I also potter around in various government research facilities.

[theprof]

Sorry Molly, but I didn't get a chance to call down their common room today. I'll go down there in the morning.

I'm afraid Ceto is already in existence and refers to a one particular sea-goddess. The word-origin of animal kingdom Order Cetacea comes from Ceto or the alternative spelling, Keto. The Cetacea includes, whales, dolphins and porpoises.

[mollykins]

wow - you probably have told me in the past but it's hard to keep up with everyone.

You're not the dean of any of the unis i might be going to; anglia ruskin, bangor, brighton, essex, uea, southampton, portsmouth, plymouth?

[theprof]

I'm afraid that the only one you've listed that's part of the Russell Group is Southampton. It is a Russell Group uni but it's not Southampton. Sorry for being so cryptic, but it's one of the other nineteen. To confuse you even more, I often pop along to one of the others nearby!

[theprof]

Yes, we have spoken before Molly. If I can help in any way, get in touch via AB.