LYMPHOCYTE SUBSETS Meaning and
Definition
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Lymphocyte subsets refer to the different types or populations of lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell involved in the immune response of the body. Lymphocytes play a crucial role in recognizing and eliminating foreign substances, such as bacteria or viruses, as well as abnormal cells, like cancer cells.
There are several distinct subsets of lymphocytes, each with its own unique characteristics and functions. The two main subsets are T lymphocytes (T cells) and B lymphocytes (B cells). T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity, which involves the direct destruction of infected cells. They can be further divided into several subsets, including helper T cells (CD4+), cytotoxic T cells (CD8+), and regulatory T cells (Tregs).
On the other hand, B cells are primarily responsible for humoral immunity, which involves the production of antibodies that target specific antigens. B cells can develop into plasma cells that secrete antibodies, while memory B cells retain a "memory" of past infections, enabling a faster and more effective immune response upon re-exposure to the same antigen.
Apart from T and B cells, there are also natural killer (NK) cells, which are a type of lymphocyte that can directly kill infected or abnormal cells without prior exposure. NK cells are particularly important in the early defense against viruses and certain types of cancer cells.
The analysis and characterization of lymphocyte subsets are crucial in diagnosing and monitoring various immune-related diseases, such as autoimmune disorders, immunodeficiencies, and certain types of cancers.
Common Misspellings for LYMPHOCYTE SUBSETS
- kymphocyte subsets
- pymphocyte subsets
- oymphocyte subsets
- ltmphocyte subsets
- lgmphocyte subsets
- lhmphocyte subsets
- lumphocyte subsets
- l7mphocyte subsets
- l6mphocyte subsets
- lynphocyte subsets
- lykphocyte subsets
- lyjphocyte subsets
- lymohocyte subsets
- lymlhocyte subsets
- lym-hocyte subsets
- lym0hocyte subsets
- lympgocyte subsets
- lympbocyte subsets
- lympnocyte subsets
- lympjocyte subsets
Etymology of LYMPHOCYTE SUBSETS
The word "lymphocyte" can be broken down into two parts: "lympho" and "cyte".
- "Lympho" comes from the Greek word "lymphos", meaning "water". It refers to a colorless fluid called lymph that circulates throughout the lymphatic system.
- "Cyte" comes from the Greek word "kytos", meaning "cell". It denotes a type of cell.
Therefore, "lymphocyte" literally means a cell found in lymph.
The term "subset" is used to describe a particular division or subgroup within a larger group. In the context of lymphocytes, it refers to the categorization or classification of lymphocytes into different types based on their characteristics and functions. These subsets often have specific roles in the immune response or in fighting off pathogens.
