Autophagosomes (also known as Autophagosome, Phagophores): Large spherical double-layered structures which function in AUTOPHAGY to engulf intracellular components such as ORGANELLES or pathogens. Their outer membrane then fuses with the LYSOSOME (forming the AUTOLYSOSOME) and the inner membrane and contents are digest

NIH MeSH · D000071182Anatomy

Autophagosomes

Also known asAutophagosome · Phagophores · Phagophore

Definition

Large spherical double-layered structures which function in AUTOPHAGY to engulf intracellular components such as ORGANELLES or pathogens. Their outer membrane then fuses with the LYSOSOME (forming the AUTOLYSOSOME) and the inner membrane and contents are digested by lysosomal HYDROLASES.

MeSH classification

  • A11.284.430.214.190.875.190.700.500

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Common questions about Autophagosomes

What does Autophagosomes mean in medicine?
Large spherical double-layered structures which function in AUTOPHAGY to engulf intracellular components such as ORGANELLES or pathogens. Their outer membrane then fuses with the LYSOSOME (forming the AUTOLYSOSOME) and the inner membrane and contents are digested by lysosomal HYDROLASES. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Autophagosomes known by any other names?
Yes. Autophagosomes is also referred to as Autophagosome, Phagophores, Phagophore in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Autophagosomes sit in the medical classification?
Autophagosomes falls under the broader medical category "Anatomy" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: A11.284.430.214.190.875.190.700.500). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Autophagosomes?
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Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D000071182) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗