MYELOCYTE Meaning and
Definition
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A myelocyte is a type of white blood cell that is found in the bone marrow, representing an intermediate stage in the development of granulocytes. It is considered to be a precursor or immature form of these types of cells. Myelocytes are characterized by their size, shape, and cellular features.
These cells originate from multipotent stem cells in the bone marrow, differentiating into myeloblasts, promyelocytes, and eventually myelocytes. Unlike myeloblasts and promyelocytes, myelocytes have a more distinct appearance with cytoplasmic granules that contain different substances depending on the type of granulocyte they are maturing into (i.e., neutrophils, eosinophils, or basophils).
Microscopically, myelocytes can be identified by their large and round or oval nucleus, which is typically eccentrically placed. The nucleus is surrounded by a pale blue cytoplasm, exhibiting granules that become more abundant and specific as the cell matures further. These granules play a crucial role in the immune response, helping to fight off infections and maintain homeostasis within the body.
The study of myelocytes is important in the field of hematology as they provide insights into the bone marrow's ability to produce different types of white blood cells. Abnormalities in myelocyte development can be indicative of various diseases, such as leukemia or other blood disorders. Therefore, analyzing the distribution and characteristics of myelocytes can aid in diagnosing and monitoring these conditions.
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1. A uninuclear (mononuclear) granular leucocyte-a pathological type; the myelocytes may be neutrophil, eosinophil, or basophil, according to the staining reaction of the granules. 2. A nerve-cell of the gray matter of the brain or spinal cord. 3. A cell originating in the bonemarrow.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MYELOCYTE
- nyelocyte
- kyelocyte
- jyelocyte
- mtelocyte
- mgelocyte
- mhelocyte
- muelocyte
- m7elocyte
- m6elocyte
- mywlocyte
- myslocyte
- mydlocyte
- myrlocyte
- my4locyte
- my3locyte
- myekocyte
- myepocyte
- myeoocyte
- myelicyte
Etymology of MYELOCYTE
The word "myelocyte" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "myelo" and "cyte".
The root "myelo" (μυελός) refers to "marrow", particularly the bone marrow. In the context of "myelocyte", it specifically refers to the marrow of the bone.
The second root, "cyte" (κύτος), refers to a "cell". It is a common root used in medical terminology to indicate various types of cells.
Therefore, "myelocyte" combines these two roots to describe a specific type of cell found in the bone marrow.
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