Microglial cells are macrophage-like cells of the central nervous system and the primary form of immunity in the brain. Activated microglia act as the ‘housekeepers’ of the CNS, and have many important roles in maintaining its health and function. Their main role is as phagocytes, and they are responsible for keeping the brain and spinal […] The post Microglial Cell appeared first on Biology Dictionary ..read more

Cheek cells are cells of the basal mucosa, which is the tissue that lines the inside of the mouth. Their primary role is to produce proteins called mucins, which are the basic component of mucus and help to keep the inside of the mouth moist. This is critical for the chewing, softening, swallowing, and digestion […] The post Cheek Cell appeared first on Biology Dictionary ..read more

Chief cells are enzyme-secreting cells of the stomach. They are found in the gastric glands and produce pepsinogen, the inactive precursor to pepsin, and gastric lipase. The enzymes produced by chief cells mix with hydrochloric acid and other secretions to produce gastric fluid, which is a vital component of protein and lipid digestion in the […] The post Chief Cell appeared first on Biology Dictionary ..read more

Target cells are red blood cells whose abnormally high surface-area-to-volume ratio gives them a ‘bullseye’-like appearance. They are characterized by darker regions at the center and periphery of the cell, with a paler region between the two. These target-like bands are caused by a large cell membrane surface area and an uneven distribution of hemoglobin […] The post Target Cells appeared first on Biology Dictionary ..read more

Acinar cells are cells of the exocrine pancreas that synthesize, store, and secrete digestive enzymes. They produce almost all the enzymes required for digestion in the small intestine, including endo- and exo-proteases, nucleases, lipases, and glycosidases. The rate of protein synthesis in acinar cells is higher than that of any other cells in the adult […] The post Acinar Cell appeared first on Biology Dictionary ..read more

Sertoli cells are specialized cells of the seminiferous tubules that support the production of sperm cells. Together, they form the blood-testes barrier, which divides the seminiferous tubules into two compartments and creates a protective, nourishing environment for spermatogenesis. Sertoli cells also function as phagocytes to remove excess cytoplasm and apoptotic sperm cells from the seminiferous […] The post Sertoli Cell appeared first on Biology Dictionary ..read more

Smudge cells are remnants of lymphocytes that have no recognizable cell membrane, cytoplasm, or nuclear structure. They are produced when abnormally fragile lymphocytes are ruptured during the physical preparation of a blood smear and are usually associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. What Are Smudge Cells? Smudge cells (AKA basket cells) are remnants of lymphocytes that […] The post Smudge Cells appeared first on Biology Dictionary ..read more

Parietal cells are specialized, acid-secreting cells of the stomach. Their primary function is to produce hydrochloric acid; a fundamental component of gastric fluid that plays key roles in protein digestion and the destruction of ingested bacteria. What is a Parietal Cell? Parietal cells (AKA oxyntic cells) are specialized, acid-secreting cells found in the stomach. The […] The post Parietal Cell appeared first on Biology Dictionary ..read more

A myeloid cell is any cell of the myeloid family, which is one of the two major groups of blood cells. All blood cells develop from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow, which gives rise to two cell lineages; the myeloid cell line, and the lymphoid cell line. Cells of the myeloid lineage develop […] The post Myeloid Cell appeared first on Biology Dictionary ..read more

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells that can differentiate into bone, muscle, tendon, cartilage, and fat cells. They are primarily found in the bone marrow, and their main function is the production and repair of skeletal tissues. MSCs have great potential in the field of regenerative medicine, and could one day be used […] The post Mesenchymal Stem Cell appeared first on Biology Dictionary ..read more