PLASMOCYTE Meaning and
Definition
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A plasmocyte, also known as a plasma cell, is a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune response of the body. It is normally derived from B lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell involved in the production of antibodies. Plasmocytes are a specialized subset of B lymphocytes that have differentiated and matured to perform a specific function in the immune system.
Plasmocytes are characterized by their distinctive appearance under a microscope, with an eccentric nucleus and abundant cytoplasm that contains numerous specialized granules called immunoglobulins or antibodies. These antibodies are proteins produced by plasmocytes to recognize, bind to, and neutralize specific foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens.
The main function of plasmocytes is to produce a large amount of specific antibodies, which are secreted into the bloodstream or mucosal surfaces to combat infections by recognizing and binding to antigens. This process subsequently leads to the elimination or neutralization of the foreign substances, preventing further harm to the body.
Plasmocytes are primarily found in lymphoid tissues, such as the bone marrow, spleen, and lymph nodes, as well as within the connective tissues of the body. They also play a crucial role in long-term immunity through the production of memory cells, which retain the ability to recognize and respond rapidly to previously encountered antigens, providing a faster and more efficient immune response upon reinfection.
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1. Hemameba, a protozoan parasite in the blood. 2. Plasma cell.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PLASMOCYTE
- -plasmacyte
- olasmocyte
- llasmocyte
- -lasmocyte
- 0lasmocyte
- pkasmocyte
- ppasmocyte
- poasmocyte
- plzsmocyte
- plssmocyte
- plwsmocyte
- plqsmocyte
- plaamocyte
- plazmocyte
- plaxmocyte
- pladmocyte
- plaemocyte
- plawmocyte
- plaskocyte
- plasjocyte
Etymology of PLASMOCYTE
The word "plasmocyte" originates from two Greek words: "plasma" (πλάσμα) and "kytos" (κύτος).
The term "plasma" in Greek means "something molded or formed", and in the context of biology, it refers to the formless, jelly-like substance inside living cells. This word is also related to the English words "plastic" and "plasmid".
The word "kytos" translates to "cell" in English. It is a crucial component of many biology-related terms such as cytoplasm, cytoskeleton, and cytoplasmsis.
Combining these two Greek words, "plasmocyte" describes a specific type of cell that produces plasma, which is a key component of the immune response system.
