PLASMACYTE Meaning and
Definition
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A plasmacyte, also referred to as a plasma cell, is a specialized type of white blood cell that plays a vital role in the immune response of an organism. It is a terminally differentiated form of B lymphocyte (B cell) and functions as an effector cell of the adaptive immune system.
Plasmacytes are primarily responsible for producing and secreting large quantities of antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins. These proteins are crucial for recognizing and neutralizing foreign substances, such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins. Antibodies can also activate other components of the immune system, enhancing the overall response against infections and assisting in the elimination of pathogens.
Morphologically, plasmacytes possess a distinct appearance characterized by abundant cytoplasm filled with rough endoplasmic reticulum and secretory vesicles. This dense cytoplasm enables the efficient synthesis and processing of antibodies. Plasmacytes are commonly found in specialized immune tissues, including the bone marrow, lymph nodes, and spleen.
In certain diseases, abnormal proliferation of plasmacytes can lead to the development of plasma cell disorders, such as multiple myeloma. In these conditions, the plasma cells overproduce monoclonal immunoglobulins, leading to impairments in normal immune function and various health complications.
In conclusion, a plasmacyte is a differentiated B lymphocyte that specializes in producing and secreting antibodies, playing a critical role in the immune defense mechanism.
Common Misspellings for PLASMACYTE
- olasmacyte
- llasmacyte
- -lasmacyte
- 0lasmacyte
- pkasmacyte
- ppasmacyte
- poasmacyte
- plzsmacyte
- plssmacyte
- plwsmacyte
- plqsmacyte
- plaamacyte
- plazmacyte
- plaxmacyte
- pladmacyte
- plaemacyte
- plawmacyte
- plasnacyte
- plaskacyte
Etymology of PLASMACYTE
The word "plasmacyte" is derived from the combination of two terms: "plasma" and "cyte".
1. "Plasma" originates from the ancient Greek word "plasma" (πλάσμα), meaning "something molded or formed". In the medical context, it refers to the liquid component of blood or lymph, separated from cellular components.
2. The suffix "-cyte" comes from the Greek word "kutos" (κύτος), which means "container" or "cell". It is commonly used to indicate a cell or cellular element.
Therefore, "plasmacyte" can be understood as a cell that originates from plasma or possesses characteristics related to plasma. In the field of immunology, a plasmacyte is a type of lymphocyte that produces and secretes antibodies.
Similar spelling words for PLASMACYTE
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