MAST CELL Meaning and
Definition
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A mast cell is a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system and is primarily involved in allergic reactions and inflammation. Mast cells are found in connective tissues throughout the body, especially near blood vessels and in the skin, lungs, and digestive system.
Structurally, mast cells have a granular cytoplasm filled with specialized storage sacs called vesicles, which contain various bioactive compounds, including histamine, heparin, and several enzymes. These compounds are released by mast cells in response to specific triggers, such as an allergen, injury, or infection.
When mast cells are activated, either through IgE antibodies binding to their surface receptors or through direct stimulation by other immune cells, they rapidly release their stored contents into the surrounding tissues. Histamine, for example, causes blood vessels to dilate, leading to increased blood flow, and also contributes to the characteristic symptoms of allergies, like itching and sneezing.
Aside from their role in allergic reactions, mast cells are also involved in immune defense against parasites, wound healing, and tissue repair. They can recruit other immune cells to the site of infection or injury and contribute to the generation of an immune response. In certain diseases, however, mast cells can become overactive and contribute to chronic inflammation and tissue damage.
Understanding the function of mast cells is crucial for developing treatments for various allergic and inflammatory disorders, as well as identifying potential therapeutic targets to modulate their activity.
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• 1. A mononuclear leucocyte containing numerous basophil granules of varying size, present occasionally in apparent health, but found especially, and in larger numbers, in leucemia. 2. A cell resembling a connective-tissue cell, present in the corium, the hyaloplasm of which contains numerous coarse basophil granules.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MAST CELL
- nast cell
- kast cell
- jast cell
- mzst cell
- msst cell
- mwst cell
- mqst cell
- maat cell
- mazt cell
- maxt cell
- madt cell
- maet cell
- mawt cell
- masr cell
- masf cell
- masg cell
- masy cell
- mas6 cell
- mas5 cell
Etymology of MAST CELL
The word "mast cell" has a relatively simple etymology. It originates from the combination of two terms:
1. "Mast" - This word comes from the Old English "mæst", which referred to the first stage of tree growth and the abundance of nuts produced during that stage. In the context of biology, mast cells were initially observed in connection with mast tissues found around blood vessels, most notably in connection with the allergic response.
2. "Cell" - This term originates from the Latin word "cella", meaning "small room" or "compartment". In biology, it refers to the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.
Therefore, the word "mast cell" can be understood as a cell that was originally identified in tissues associated with the reproductive growth of trees and later recognized as a key player in immunological functions.
Similar spelling words for MAST CELL
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