Polymorphocyte is a term used to describe a type of white blood cell. The spelling of the word is derived from its Greek roots, "poly" meaning many and "morph" meaning form or shape, combined with "cyte" meaning cell. The correct IPA phonetic transcription of polymorphocyte is /ˌpɒliˈmɔːfəsaɪt/. It is composed of multiple syllables and features two different vowel sounds in the prefix and the suffix. This word is commonly used in medical contexts to refer to the various forms and shapes that these versatile cells can take on.
Polymorphocyte is a term commonly used in the field of hematology to refer to a specific type of white blood cell known as polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) or polymorphonuclear cells (PMCs). PMNs are a class of granulocytes, which are characterized by the presence of granules in their cytoplasm. They play a vital role in the immune system, particularly in defending the body against bacterial and fungal infections.
Polymorphocytes, also known as polymorphonuclear cells or polymorphonuclear leukocytes, constitute the majority of white blood cells in the human body. They are characterized by having multi-lobed (polymorphic) nuclei. The varying number of lobes in the nucleus gives these cells their distinct appearance under a microscope, hence the name polymorphocyte.
These cells are responsible for phagocytosis, the process of engulfing and destroying foreign microorganisms such as bacteria. They release granules containing enzymes and chemicals that aid in the destruction of pathogens. Polymorphocytes are also involved in the inflammatory response, as they can migrate to the site of infection or tissue damage and release substances that attract other immune cells to the site.
The number of polymorphocytes in the blood is commonly measured as part of a complete blood count (CBC) and is used to evaluate the body's immune response. An increase in the number of polymorphocytes, known as neutrophilia, may indicate an infection or inflammation. Conversely, a decrease in their number, called neutropenia, can make individuals more susceptible to infections.
A marrow-cell, myelocyte.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "polymorphocyte" is not a commonly used term and does not have well-established etymology. "Polymorpho-" can be broken down into "poly" meaning many or multiple, and "morph" meaning form or shape. "-Cyte" is a suffix commonly used in biology to refer to a type of cell. Therefore, "polymorphocyte" could be understood as a cell that can assume multiple forms or shapes. However, it is important to note that "polymorphocyte" is not a widely recognized or standard term in biological or medical literature.