The word "granulocyte" is spelled G-R-A-N-U-L-O-C-Y-T-E. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is ɡrænjʊləˌsaɪt. The word is derived from the Greek words "gránulos" meaning a small grain or pellet, and "kýtos" meaning cell. A granulocyte is a type of white blood cell that is important for fighting off infections and diseases. They are characterized by the presence of small granules in their cytoplasm. Proper spelling of medical terms such as "granulocyte" is essential in order to accurately communicate diagnoses and treatments.
A granulocyte refers to a type of white blood cell that is characterized by the presence of granules in its cytoplasm. These granules are microscopic particles containing enzymes and other substances that play a crucial role in immune responses. Granulocytes are part of the body's immune system and are primarily responsible for defending against infections, particularly those caused by bacteria and fungi.
There are three main types of granulocytes, each distinguished by the appearance of their granules and their specific functions. The first type is the neutrophil, which is the most abundant and can quickly migrate to sites of infection. Neutrophils are highly efficient at phagocytosis, a process that involves engulfing and destroying foreign invaders.
The second type is the eosinophil, which is primarily involved in combating parasitic infections and modulating allergic reactions. Eosinophils are capable of releasing toxic substances to kill parasites and are also involved in inflammation-related responses.
Finally, the third type is the basophil, which plays a role in allergic responses by releasing histamine and other mediators. This release of histamine can cause the characteristic symptoms of allergies, such as itching, redness, and swelling.
Overall, granulocytes are integral components of the body's immune defense system, working together to protect against pathogens and maintain homeostasis.
A granular leucocyte.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "granulocyte" is derived from the combination of two root words: "granulo" and "cyte".
1. "Granulo" is derived from the Latin word "granulum", which means "small grain" or "granule". This word refers to the granular appearance of the cells when observed under a microscope. This visual characteristic is due to the presence of granules in the cytoplasm of the cell.
2. "Cyte" comes from the Greek word "kytos", which means "cell". It is a common suffix used in biology to describe cells or cell-like structures.
Combining the two root words, "granulocyte" literally translates to "a cell with granules". This term is used to describe a type of white blood cell that contains granules in its cytoplasm, such as neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.