SCAVENGER CELL Meaning and
Definition
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A scavenger cell, also known as a phagocytic cell or a phagocyte, refers to a type of immune cell that plays a pivotal role in the body's defense mechanisms against pathogens, cellular debris, and foreign substances. These specialised cells possess the ability to engulf and break down these entities, hence acting as biological scavengers.
Scavenger cells encompass various types, including macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells, all of which have similar functions but differing origins and locations within the body. These cells are essential components of the innate immune system, the body's first line of defense.
Upon encountering harmful substances, scavenger cells utilize their unique surface receptors to recognize and bind to the invaders. Once attached, the cell extends membrane projections engulfing and internalizing the foreign entity, a process known as phagocytosis. Within the cell, the invader is contained within a specialized membrane-bound vesicle called a phagosome. To neutralize and break down the intruder, the scavenger cell releases digestive enzymes into the phagosome, resulting in its destruction. The debris is subsequently removed from the cell through exocytosis or stored for antigen presentation to activate adaptive immune responses.
Scavenger cells not only contribute to the elimination of pathogens but also aid in tissue repair and modulating the immune response. They release soluble factors and cytokines that communicate with other immune cells, enhancing their overall efficiency. Additionally, scavenger cells have a crucial role in removing aged or damaged cells and participating in the clearance of apoptotic bodies.
The ability of scavenger cells to recognize, engulf, and eliminate hazardous particles demonstrates their vital role in maintaining the body's homeostasis and preserving overall health.
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• A connective tissue or neuroglia cell which assists in absorbing and carrying off irritant products in inflammatory conditions.
• A phagocyte engaged in the removal of broken-down tissues.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SCAVENGER CELL
- acavenger cell
- zcavenger cell
- xcavenger cell
- dcavenger cell
- ecavenger cell
- wcavenger cell
- sxavenger cell
- svavenger cell
- sfavenger cell
- sdavenger cell
- sczvenger cell
- scsvenger cell
- scwvenger cell
- scqvenger cell
- scacenger cell
- scabenger cell
- scagenger cell
- scafenger cell
- scavwnger cell
Etymology of SCAVENGER CELL
The term scavenger cell comes from the combination of the word scavenger and cell.
The word scavenger originates from the Middle English scawageour or skawageour, which referred to a person who collected and sold discarded items in medieval times. It ultimately comes from the Old French word escawageor, which means a customs officer who appraised goods and collected duties. The French term has its roots in the Old Norman word escauwageor, meaning a tax collector.
The term cell in this context refers to the basic structural unit of living organisms, such as animal or plant cells. It comes from the Latin word cella, which means small room or chamber.
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