GITTER CELL Meaning and
Definition
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A gitter cell, also known as a microglia, is a type of specialized immune cell that is primarily found in the central nervous system (CNS) and serves various functions within the brain and spinal cord. It is a crucial component of the body's defense system.
Gitter cells are often described as the resident macrophages of the CNS because of their similarities in structure and function to macrophages present in other tissues. They act as the first and main form of active immune defense in the CNS, constantly surveying their environment to detect any signs of injury, infection, or abnormality. Upon recognition of any threat, these cells rapidly respond by becoming activated and mobilizing an immune response.
The term "gitter cell" specifically refers to the appearance of these cells when they are activated or in a pathological state. When activated, the microglia undergo morphological changes, including enlarged cell bodies and the presence of short, irregular processes called gitter cells, which are swollen and filled with cellular debris, lipids, and other waste material.
The activation of gitter cells is associated with inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. Therefore, gitter cells not only serve as immune defenders within the CNS but also play a critical role in the pathogenesis and progression of various neurological conditions.
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A large cell, round or oval in shape, presenting a honeycombed appearance, and packed with a large number of fatty or lipoid granules.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GITTER CELL
- gater cell
- fitter cell
- vitter cell
- bitter cell
- hitter cell
- yitter cell
- titter cell
- gutter cell
- gjtter cell
- gktter cell
- gotter cell
- g9tter cell
- g8tter cell
- girter cell
- gifter cell
- gigter cell
- giyter cell
- gi6ter cell
- gi5ter cell
- gitrer cell
Etymology of GITTER CELL
The term "gitter cell" is derived from the German word "Gitterzelle", which translates to "lattice cell" or "grid cell" in English. The word was first introduced by German pathologists in the late 19th century to describe a specific type of macrophage cells found in pathological tissues. These cells were characterized by their large size, irregular shape, and a cytoplasm filled with dark granules or debris. Over time, the term "gitter cell" has become widely accepted and used in the field of pathology to refer to this specific type of cell.
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