Histiocyte
Definition
A histiocyte is a type of immune cell that eats foreign substances in an effort to protect the body from infection.
Alternative Names
Macrophage
Information
Histiocytes do not travel through the blood. Instead, they remain in one part of the body.
Histiocytes are found in many organs and tissues, including the following:
- Brain
- Breast tissue
- Liver
- Lymph nodes
- Placenta
- Spleen
- Tonsils
An abnormal number of histiocytes leads to a disease called histiocytosis X.
visHeader
References
Goronzy JJ, Weyand Cm. The innate and adaptive immune systems. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 42.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission
(www.urac.org). URAC's
accreditation
program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and
accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information
and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s
editorial policy,
editorial process, and
privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of
Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (
www.HONcode.ch.)
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or
treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and
treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are
provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
©1997-2012 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly
prohibited.
Get the MOST from QualityHealth
- Stories
- Recipes
- Top Searches
- 1. Allergy Seals and Certifications
- 2. Cancer Studies and Statistics
- 3. Fat Facts for Diabetics
- 4. 10 Ways to Tame Your Sugar Cravings
- 5. 4 Ways to Go Healthy at a Coffee Shop
- 6. Exercises to Cure Your Neck Pain
- 7. Overweight With Normal Blood Pressure?
- 8. 5 Ways to Improve Leg Circulation
- 9. Green Tea for Health & Beauty
- 10. How to Pick the Right Makeup Brushes
- 1. Could You Have a Deviated Septum?
- 2. Today's Mammogram Guidelines
- 3. The Benefits of Protein for Diabetics
- 4. How Grief Affects the Body
- 5. Best Food Guide for IBD
- 6. 5 Things to Do Before Your Workout
- 7. A Heart Attack Without Risk Factors?
- 8. How to Handle Arthritis on the Job
- 9. Perfect Nails at Home in 10 Steps
- 10. How to Get More Vitamin D
The material on the QualityHealth Web site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a physician or other qualified health provider. See additional information.