Dictionary > Histiocyte

Histiocyte

Definition
noun, plural: histiocytes
A reticular connective tissue macrophage or a dendritic cell, derived from the bone marrow precursor cells
Supplement
Histiocytes are differentiated cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system, i.e. a part of the immune system comprised of the phagocytic cells found in reticular connective tissue. They may be the tissue macrophages (cells capable of phagocytosis) or the dendritic cells (cells involved in processing and presenting antigens).1 Thus, the histiocytes are primarily involved in phagocytosis and antigen presentation.
Histiocytes came from the stem cells of the bone marrow. They, then, migrate into the bloodstream as monocytes. When they reach and enter a certain organ they undergo differentiation to become histiocytes as influenced by growth factors, GM-CSF, TNF, and IL-4.2
A monocyte that became a histiocyte can be identified histologically through their morphological characteristics and their function.1 Cytologically, histiocytes would be larger, their cytoplasm, abundant and eosinophilic. As a macrophage, they would express CD68 and their cytoplasm rich with acid phosphatase laden lysosomes. Dendritic histiocytes have bean-shaped nucleus and thin cytoplasmic processes. They express Factor XIIIa, CD1c, and Class II Human leukocyte antigens.2
Word origin: histo– ‎(“tissue”) +‎ –cyte ‎(“cell”)
See also:

Reference(s):

1 Mutasim, D. F. (2015). Practical Skin Pathology. Springer. p.33.

2 Histiocyte. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Histiocyte.


You will also like...

Gene Pool and Speciation
The Gene Pool and Population Genetics

According to Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection, preferable genes are favored by nature in the gene pool, and ..

dinosaurs
The Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs represented a major turn in the evolutionary development of organisms on Earth. The first dinosaurs were presu..

Types and Causes of Brain Damage
Types and Causes of Brain Damage

This tutorial describes the different types and causes of brain damage. Find out how genetics, physical injury, lack of ..

Psychiatry and mental disorders
Psychiatry & Mental Disorders

Different mental disorders are described here. Read this tutorial to get an overview of schizophrenia, affective mood di..

Lentic community
Freshwater Communities & Lentic Waters

Lentic or still water communities can vary greatly in appearance -- from a small temporary puddle to a large lake. The s..

Kidneys
Kidneys and Regulation of Water and Inorganic Ions

The kidneys are responsible for the regulation of water and inorganic ions. Read this tutorial to learn about the differ..

Related Articles...

No related articles found

See all Related Topics