involution

involution definition - medical

in·vo·lu·tion (ĭnˌvə-lo͞oˈshən)

noun
  1. A decrease in size of an organ, as of the uterus following childbirth.
  2. The ingrowth and curling inward of a group of cells, as in the formation of a gastrula from a blastula.
  3. A progressive decline or degeneration of normal physiological functioning occurring as a result of the aging process. Also called catagenesis.

Related Forms:

  • inˌvo·luˈtion·al adjective

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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