plasmacyte
Noun: A type of white blood cell that develops from a B lymphocyte (B cell) after it is activated by a specific antigen. Its primary function is to produce and secrete large amounts of antibodies to fight infection. These cells are typically found in bone marrow and can sometimes be present in the blood.
The term "plasmacyte" is used in medical and biological contexts to describe a specific, mature cell of the immune system responsible for antibody production. * The laboratory report noted an increased number of plasmacyte in the bone marrow sample. * Each plasmacyte is specialized to secrete antibodies against one particular antigen.
- Plasmacytosis: This medical term refers to an increased number of plasmacyte in the blood or tissues, which can be associated with certain infections or disorders.
- Neoplastic plasmacyte: Refers to cancerous or tumorous plasmacyte, such as those found in multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.
- Plasma cell: This is the more common and clinically preferred synonym for "plasmacyte."
- Effector B cell: A broader term that can include plasmacyte, as they are the "effector" (active) form of a B cell.
- Antibody-secreting cell (ASC): A descriptive term highlighting the primary function of the plasmacyte.
- Plasma cell
- Antibody-secreting cell (ASC)
"Plasmacyte" has a single, specific meaning in biology and medicine. It does not have common alternative definitions in general English.
- a cell that develops from a B lymphocyte in reaction to a specific antigen; found in bone marrow and sometimes in the blood