PLASMA CELL Meaning and
Definition
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A plasma cell is a type of specialized immune cell that plays a crucial role in the adaptive immune response, specifically in the production and secretion of antibodies. Also known as a plasmocyte, the plasma cell is derived from B lymphocytes (B cells) during the humoral immune response.
Plasma cells are characterized by their unique appearance under microscopic examination. They have a round, eccentric nucleus – which means that the nucleus is located off-center – and possess abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi apparatus, and prominent perinuclear regions. These features are essential for their primary function: the synthesis, assembly, and secretion of large amounts of antibodies.
Upon exposure to an antigen, B cells differentiate into plasma cells in a process known as terminal differentiation. This transformation involves changes in gene expression, resulting in the generation of immunoglobulins (antibodies) specific to the encountered antigen. Plasma cells secrete these antibodies, which are then released into circulation to bind to and neutralize pathogens, toxins, or foreign substances.
Plasma cells can also localize in various tissues, such as the bone marrow, lymph nodes, and spleen, where they provide continued antibody production and maintain immune memory. Their vital role in the immune response highlights the significance of studying and understanding plasma cells to advance our knowledge in immunology and aid in the development of vaccines and therapies targeting infectious diseases, autoimmune conditions, and malignancies.
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• A large cell, resembling a lymphocyte, but of greater size, containing a large amount of basophile cytoplasm and a markedly excentric nucleus.
• A phagocytic and probably ameboid leucocyte, resembling the mononuclear phagocytic leucocyte of inflammatory exudates; türck’s irritation cell, stimulation cell, phlogocyte.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PLASMA CELL
- olasma cell
- llasma cell
- -lasma cell
- 0lasma cell
- pkasma cell
- ppasma cell
- poasma cell
- plzsma cell
- plssma cell
- plwsma cell
- plqsma cell
- plaama cell
- plazma cell
- plaxma cell
- pladma cell
- plaema cell
- plawma cell
- plasna cell
- plaska cell
- plasmacell
Etymology of PLASMA CELL
The word "plasma cell" originated from the Latin word "plasma", which means "something molded or formed". The term was first used in the late 19th century by anatomist and histologist George Cohnheim to describe a specific type of cell found in the bone marrow and lymphoid tissues. These cells have a distinct appearance and were named plasma cells because they resemble plasma due to their eccentric round nucleus and distinct perinuclear halo. Over time, the term "plasma cell" became widely accepted in the field of biology and medicine to refer to this particular type of immune cell.
Similar spelling words for PLASMA CELL
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