MASTOCYTE Meaning and
Definition
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A mastocyte is a type of white blood cell, also known as a mast cell, that plays a vital role in the immune response and inflammatory processes of the body. It belongs to the family of granulocytes, which are characterized by the presence of granules in their cytoplasm.
Mastocytes are primarily found in connective tissue, such as the skin, lungs, stomach, and intestines. They are densely packed with granules containing various biologically active substances, including histamine, heparin, and various cytokines. These substances enable mastocytes to respond quickly to immune system triggers and contribute to the body's defense against pathogens.
When an immune response is triggered, mastocytes release their granules, causing the release of histamine. Histamine is responsible for inducing inflammation, increasing blood flow, and attracting other immune cells to the site of infection or injury. Mastocytes also play a crucial role in allergic reactions, as their granules can be triggered by allergens, leading to an allergic response and the release of allergic mediators.
Furthermore, mastocytes are involved in tissue repair and remodeling through the secretion of growth factors and enzymes. They also interact with other immune cells to modulate and coordinate immune responses. Overall, mastocytes are essential components of the immune system, playing a crucial role in both protective and pathological processes within the body.
Common Misspellings for MASTOCYTE
- nastocyte
- kastocyte
- jastocyte
- mzstocyte
- msstocyte
- mwstocyte
- mqstocyte
- maatocyte
- maztocyte
- maxtocyte
- madtocyte
- maetocyte
- mawtocyte
- masfocyte
- masgocyte
- masyocyte
- mas6ocyte
- mas5ocyte
- masticyte
Etymology of MASTOCYTE
The word "mastocyte" comes from the combination of two components: "masto-" and "-cyte". "Masto-" is derived from the Greek word "mastós", meaning breast or mast, while "-cyte" is derived from the Greek word "kýtos", meaning cell. Thus, "mastocyte" essentially means "breast cell" which refers to a type of immune cell found in connective tissues that play a role in allergic reactions and inflammatory responses.
Similar spelling words for MASTOCYTE
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