Mast cell
A mast cell is like a white blood cell (leukocyte) which lives and acts in tissues. It is made in bone marrow, and matures in tissues, where it defends against parasites.
| Mast cell | |
|---|---|
 Mast cells | |
| Details | |
| System | Immune system |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | mastocytus |
| MeSH | D008407 |
| TH | H2.00.03.0.01010 |
| FMA | 66784 |
| Anatomical terms of microanatomy | |
Mast cell
Mast cells have many granules rich in histamine and heparin. Mast cells play an important protective role in wound healing and defence against pathogens.[1] They are a part cause of allergy and anaphylaxis,
The mast cell is very similar in both appearance and function to the basophil, a type of white blood cell. However, they are not the same. [2]
Mast cells were first described by Paul Ehrlich in his 1878 doctoral thesis. He noted the large granules visible once they were stained.[3] They are now considered to be part of the immune system.
References
- Prussin C, Metcalfe DD (2003). "IgE, mast cells, basophils, and eosinophils". J Allergy Clin Immunol. 111 (2 Suppl): S486–94. doi:10.1067/mai.2003.120. PMID 12592295.
- Marieb, Elaine N. & Katja Hoehn. 2007. Human anatomy and physiology. 7th ed, San Francisco: Pearson Benjamin Cummings, 659.
- Ehrlich P. 1878. Beiträge zur Theorie und Praxis der histologischen Färbung. Dissertation at Leipzig University.
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