Histiocyte
Definition
A histiocyte is a type of immune cell that eats foreign substances in an effort to protect the body from infection. Histiocytes do not travel through the blood. Instead, they remain in one part of the body. A histiocyte is also called a macrophage.
Histiocytes are found in many organs and tissues, including the following:
- Spleen
- Lymph nodes
- Brain
- Liver
- Breast tissue
- Tonsils
- Placenta
An abnormal number of histiocytes leads to a condition called histiocytosis.
Alternative Names
Macrophage
Review Date:
10/30/2006
Reviewed By:
Donald Accetta, MD, MPH, President, Allergy & Asthma Care, PC, Taunton, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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