Plasma cells
Plasma cells
Plasma cells (pronounced: /ˈplazmə sɛlz/), also known as plasmocytes or effector B cells, are a type of white blood cell responsible for producing large volumes of antibodies in response to being presented with a specific antigen.
Etymology
The term "plasma cell" originates from the Greek word "plasma", meaning "moldable substance", and the Latin word "cella", meaning "small room". This is in reference to the cell's ability to shape itself around the antigen it is targeting.
Function
Plasma cells play a crucial role in the immune system. They are derived from B cells following activation by an antigen. Once activated, the B cell differentiates into a plasma cell, which can then produce antibodies specific to the antigen that triggered the response. These antibodies are released into the bloodstream, where they bind to the antigen and neutralize it or mark it for destruction by other immune cells.
Related Terms
- Antibody: A protein produced by plasma cells that can recognize and bind to specific antigens.
- Antigen: A substance that triggers an immune response, leading to the production of antibodies by plasma cells.
- B cell: A type of white blood cell that can differentiate into a plasma cell when activated by an antigen.
- Immune system: The body's defense system against harmful substances like bacteria, viruses, and foreign bodies.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Plasma cells
- Wikipedia's article - Plasma cells
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