Degranulation

Degranulation (pronounced: dee-gran-yuh-ley-shuhn) is a biological process that occurs in certain cells, releasing antimicrobial cytotoxic or other molecules from secretory vesicles known as granules.

Etymology

The term "degranulation" is derived from the Latin words "de-", meaning "down from" and "granulum", meaning "small grain". It refers to the process of releasing granules from the cell.

Process

During degranulation, the cell's cytoplasmic granules move towards the cell membrane and fuse with it, releasing their contents into the extracellular environment. This process is most commonly observed in neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, and mast cells, which play a key role in the immune response.

Role in Immune Response

Degranulation plays a crucial role in the body's immune response. When a pathogen enters the body, mast cells release granules containing histamine, which triggers inflammation and helps attract other immune cells to the site of infection. Neutrophils, on the other hand, release granules containing antimicrobial substances to directly kill pathogens.

Related Terms

• Granules
• Mast Cells
• Neutrophils
• Histamine
• Pathogen
• Inflammation
• Immune Response

See Also

• Exocytosis
• Endocytosis
• Phagocytosis

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Degranulation
• Wikipedia's article - Degranulation

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