MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Histiocyte

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Histiocyte

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Alternative names	Definition

Alternative names

Macrophage

Definition Return to top

Histiocytes are cells of the immune system that ingest foreign antigens to protect against infection. They are fixed, meaning they remain in one part of the body rather than traveling through the bloodstream.

Histiocytes are found in many organs and connective tissues:

Spleen
Lymph nodes
Brain
Liver (Kupffer cells)
Breast tissue
Alveoli
Tonsils
Serous cavities
Placenta

Histiocytosis involves an abnormal number of histiocytes and may affect the lungs (alveoli), the bones, or the lymphatic system.

Update Date: 9/13/2002

Updated by: A.D.A.M. editorial. Previous review: Victoria Kennedy, R.N. (10/26/01).

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