The spelling of the medical term "metamyelocyte" can be challenging due to the use of uncommon prefixes, roots, and suffixes. Its phonetic transcription in IPA is /mɛtəˈmaɪəloˌsaɪt/ which breaks down into "met" for "change," "myelo" for "bone marrow," and "cyte" for "cell." The prefix "meta" depicts a transformed cell that's in between precursor and mature states. A metamyelocyte is a stage of white blood cell that's categorized by the developing neutrophil's specific structural morphology, which can be identified through hematological analysis.
A metamyelocyte is a term used in hematological sciences to describe a specific stage of maturity in the development of a type of white blood cell called a granulocyte. Granulocytes are a part of the body's immune system and are involved in combating infections and other foreign substances. The development of these cells occurs in the bone marrow, where they go through several stages before reaching full maturation.
A metamyelocyte is characterized by having a distinct horseshoe-shaped nucleus, which is partially segmented. This characteristic appearance sets it apart from other stages of granulocyte maturation. In terms of size, metamyelocytes are larger than their precursor cells, such as myelocytes, but smaller than fully mature granulocytes like neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.
The presence of metamyelocytes in the blood can sometimes indicate abnormal conditions or disorders. In healthy individuals, these cells are usually confined within the bone marrow, and only their more mature forms are found in the circulation. However, certain diseases or conditions, such as acute infections, inflammation, and certain types of leukemia, can cause an increased release of immature granulocytes into the bloodstream, including metamyelocytes. This occurrence is commonly referred to as a shift to the left or left shift, indicating an increased number of immature cells.
In summary, a metamyelocyte is a particular stage of granulocyte maturation characterized by a partially segmented horseshoe-shaped nucleus. Its presence in the bloodstream can indicate certain abnormal conditions or diseases.
A developmental form of the myelocyte, having an oxyphile cellbody with neutrophile granules scattered through its substance.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "metamyelocyte" consists of two parts: "meta-" and "myelocyte".
The prefix "meta-" is derived from Greek and means "after" or "beyond". It is commonly used in scientific terms to indicate a change in form or structure.
The term "myelocyte" is also derived from Greek. "Muelo" means "marrow" or "spinal cord", and "cyte" refers to a cell. Therefore, a myelocyte is a type of cell found in the bone marrow.
When combined, "metamyelocyte" refers to a specific stage in the maturation of white blood cells (myelocytes) where they have undergone some changes but are not fully mature yet. This term is often used in medical and scientific contexts.