mastocyte
Noun: A mastocyte is a type of cell found in connective tissue. It is large and contains granules filled with chemical substances like histamine, heparin, and serotonin. These substances are released when the cell is activated, typically during an allergic reaction, injury, or inflammation.
The word "mastocyte" is a scientific and medical term. It is used almost exclusively in academic, clinical, or research contexts to refer to this specific type of immune cell. * In a research paper: "The study focused on the role of the mastocyte in initiating the inflammatory cascade." * In a medical textbook: "Upon activation, the mastocyte degranulates, releasing its mediators into the surrounding tissue."
- The pathologist identified an increased number of mastocytes in the tissue sample, indicating a chronic inflammatory condition.
- Allergens can bind to receptors on the surface of a mastocyte, triggering the release of histamine.
- Mastocyte stabilizers are a class of drugs used to prevent these cells from releasing their inflammatory contents.
- Mastocyte activation syndrome (MCAS): A clinical condition characterized by the inappropriate and chronic release of mediators from mastocytes, leading to a variety of allergic-type symptoms.
- Mastocyte degranulation: The process by which a mastocyte releases the chemicals stored in its granules. This is a key event in allergic responses.
- Mast cell: This is the far more common and preferred synonym for "mastocyte" in all medical and scientific English. "Mast cell" is the standard term.
- Mastocytoma: A tumor consisting of a dense collection of mastocytes.
- Mastocytosis: A group of rare disorders caused by an excessive accumulation of mastocytes in one or more organ systems.
- Mast cell (primary synonym)
- Labrocyte (an older, less common term)
"Mastocyte" has only one specific meaning in modern English: it refers exclusively to the connective tissue cell described above. It is not used in general or figurative language.
- a large connective tissue cell that contains histamine and heparin and serotonin which are released in allergic reactions or in response to injury or inflammation