Epithelioid cells
Epithelioid Cells
Epithelioid cells (pronunciation: /ˌɛpɪˈθiːlɪɔɪd ˈsɛlz/) are a type of cell that are part of the immune system. They are derived from macrophages, a type of white blood cell, and are characterized by their epithelial-like appearance.
Etymology
The term "epithelioid" is derived from the Greek words "epi" meaning "upon" and "thelē" 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, epithelioid cells surround and isolate the substance to prevent it from spreading. This results in the formation of a granuloma, a type of inflammatory lesion.
Related Terms
- Macrophage: A type of white blood cell from which epithelioid cells are derived.
- Granuloma: An inflammatory lesion that is often the result of the immune response involving epithelioid cells.
- Immune System: The body's defense system against foreign substances and diseases, of which epithelioid cells are a part.
- Cell: The basic structural and functional unit of all organisms, including epithelioid cells.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Epithelioid cells
- Wikipedia's article - Epithelioid cells
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