Allotransplant

/ˌæloʊˈtrænzˌplænt/ noun

Definition

An organ, tissue, or cell transplanted from one individual to another of the same species, typically requiring immunosuppression to prevent rejection.

Etymology

From Greek 'allo-' (other/different individual) + 'transplant' (from Latin 'trans-' meaning across + 'plantare' meaning to plant). The term emerged in the 20th century as transplant medicine developed, distinguishing between transplants from the same individual (auto-) and different individuals (allo-).

Kelly Says

An allotransplant is basically convincing your immune system to accept a stranger's organ—your body literally thinks it's an invader, so doctors have to trick your immune system with drugs. The first successful kidney allotransplant in 1954 launched an entire medical revolution!

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