Epithelioid cell
Epithelioid Cell
Epithelioid cells (pronounced: epi-the-lee-oid cells) are a type of cell that are part of the immune system. They are derived from macrophages and are characterized by their epithelial-like appearance.
Etymology
The term "epithelioid" is derived from the Greek words "epi" meaning "upon" and "thele" meaning "nipple". This is in reference to the epithelial cells' location on the surface of the body, similar to a nipple. The suffix "-oid" means "resembling" or "like", indicating that these cells resemble epithelial cells.
Function
Epithelioid cells play a crucial role in the immune response, particularly in granuloma formation. When the body encounters a foreign substance that it cannot eliminate, such as certain bacteria or parasites, it forms a granuloma to contain the threat. Epithelioid cells are the primary cell type in granulomas, where they work to isolate and destroy the foreign substance.
Related Terms
- Macrophage: A type of white blood cell that engulfs and digests cellular debris, foreign substances, microbes, and cancer cells in a process called phagocytosis.
- Granuloma: A structure formed during inflammation that is found in many diseases. It is a collection of immune cells known as macrophages.
- Epithelial Cells: Cells that line the surfaces of organs and structures throughout the body.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Epithelioid cell
- Wikipedia's article - Epithelioid cell
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