Giant cell
Giant Cell
Giant cell (/ˈdʒaɪənt sɛl/), also known as multinucleated cell or polykaryon, is a large cell characterized by the presence of multiple nuclei. The term is derived from the Greek words "gigas", meaning "giant", and "kytos", meaning "cell".
Etymology
The term "giant cell" is derived from the Greek words "gigas", meaning "giant", and "kytos", meaning "cell". The term "multinucleated cell" refers to the presence of multiple nuclei within a single cell, while "polykaryon" is derived from the Greek words "poly", meaning "many", and "karyon", meaning "nucleus".
Description
Giant cells are typically larger than most other cells and contain multiple nuclei. They are formed by the fusion of several smaller cells, usually in response to a foreign body or infection. Giant cells are commonly found in certain types of tumors, granulomas, and inflammatory diseases.
Types of Giant Cells
There are several types of giant cells, including:
- Langhans giant cell: These are found in tuberculosis and other granulomatous diseases.
- Touton giant cells: These are typically found in xanthomas and certain types of skin tumors.
- Foreign body giant cell: These are formed in response to a foreign body, such as a splinter or a piece of metal.
- Reed-Sternberg cell: These are a type of giant cell found in Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Related Terms
- Cell (biology): The basic structural and functional unit of all organisms.
- Nucleus (cell): The central and most important part of a cell, containing genetic material.
- Granuloma: A mass of granulation tissue, typically produced in response to infection, inflammation, or the presence of a foreign substance.
- Tumor: An abnormal growth of tissue resulting from uncontrolled, progressive multiplication of cells and serving no physiological function.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Giant cell
- Wikipedia's article - Giant cell
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