HEMOPHAGOCYTE Meaning and
Definition
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A hemophagocyte is a type of specialized white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune response against various pathogens. Also known as hemophagocytic macrophages, or histiocytes, these cells are responsible for engulfing and destroying worn-out red blood cells, as well as other cellular debris and foreign substances, such as bacteria or viruses, that may be present in the bloodstream.
Hemophagocytes are derived from monocytes, which are a type of white blood cell produced in the bone marrow. They possess an abundance of lysosomes, specialized organelles responsible for the degradation of cellular material, which allows them to effectively break down and remove waste products.
These cells have the ability to recognize and eliminate abnormal, infected, or damaged cells through a process called phagocytosis, in which they surround and engulf the target cell. Once inside the hemophagocyte, the engulfed material is degraded by lysosomal enzymes, rendering it harmless.
Abnormal activation or dysfunction of hemophagocytes can lead to a condition known as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). In this disorder, the immune system becomes overactive, causing excessive activation and proliferation of hemophagocytes, which can lead to tissue damage. HLH is characterized by symptoms such as fever, enlarged spleen, low blood cell counts, and organ dysfunction.
In conclusion, hemophagocytes are specialized white blood cells that are responsible for disposing of dead or damaged cells and eliminating foreign substances, playing a critical role in maintaining proper immune function.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HEMOPHAGOCYTE
- hemophagocxte
- hemophagocy4e
- hemophagocyde
- hemophagocype
- hemophagocyve
- hemophagocyue
- hemophagocytu
- hemophagocytm
- hemophagocyta
- hemophagocytg
- h emophagocyte
- he mophagocyte
- hem ophagocyte
- hemoph agocyte
- hemopha gocyte
- hemophag ocyte
- hemophago cyte
- hemophagoc yte
- hemophagocy te
- hemophagocyt e
Etymology of HEMOPHAGOCYTE
The term "hemophagocyte" is composed of two components: "hemo-" and "phagocyte".
1. "Hemo-" comes from the Greek word "haima" (αἷμα), meaning "blood". This root is often used in medical terminology to refer to blood-related concepts.
2. "Phagocyte" is derived from the Greek words "phagein" (φαγεῖν) meaning "to eat" and "kytos" (κῦτος) meaning "cell". A phagocyte is a type of cell that engulfs and absorbs foreign particles, microorganisms, and cellular debris to clean and protect the body.
Therefore, "hemophagocyte" refers to a cell that eats or engulfs blood.
