HEMOCYTE Meaning and
Definition
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Hemocyte refers to a specialized type of cell found in the circulatory system of invertebrates, including insects, crustaceans, and certain mollusks. Hemocytes play a crucial role in the immune response and transport of nutrients and waste products in these animals. They are often considered the equivalent of white blood cells in vertebrates.
Hemocytes are typically produced in specialized tissues, such as the hematopoietic organs, and are released into the circulatory system to fulfill various functions. They possess the ability to change their shape and migrate to different tissues and organs in response to various stimuli.
The primary function of hemocytes is to defend the organism against pathogens. They are responsible for the recognition, engulfment, and destruction of foreign particles, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause infection. Hemocytes achieve this through a process called phagocytosis, where they surround and ingest the foreign material.
Hemocytes also participate in wound healing, clotting, and the repair of damaged tissues. They release signaling molecules and enzymes to coordinate immune responses and stimulate other immune cells.
In addition to their immune functions, hemocytes also play a role in nutrient transport and waste removal. They can store and release substances such as amino acids, sugars, lipids, and nitrogenous waste products.
Overall, hemocytes are vital contributors to the immune system and physiological homeostasis of invertebrate organisms. Their versatility and diverse functions make them an essential component of their circulatory system.
Common Misspellings for HEMOCYTE
- gemocyte
- bemocyte
- nemocyte
- jemocyte
- uemocyte
- yemocyte
- hwmocyte
- hsmocyte
- hdmocyte
- hrmocyte
- h4mocyte
- h3mocyte
- henocyte
- hekocyte
- hejocyte
- hemicyte
- hemkcyte
- hemlcyte
- hempcyte
- hem0cyte
Etymology of HEMOCYTE
The word "hemocyte" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "hemo-" and "-cyte".
The first part, "hemo-", comes from the Greek word "haima", which means "blood". It is commonly used in scientific and medical terminology when referring to blood-related concepts.
The second part, "-cyte", comes from the Greek word "kytos", which means "cell". This suffix is widely used in biology to indicate a specific type or form of a cell.
Therefore, "hemocyte" can be understood as a compound word consisting of "hemo" (blood) and "cyte" (cell), indicating a blood cell. In particular, "hemocyte" typically refers to a blood cell involved in the immune response of invertebrate animals, such as insects, crustaceans, and other arthropods.
