mast cell
noun Biology.
a large granular cell, common in connective tissue, that produces heparin, histamine, and serotonin.
Origin of mast cell
1885–90; partial translation of German
Mastzelle, equivalent to
Mast fattening of animals for slaughter,
mast2 +
Zelle cell
Words nearby mast cell
masséna,
mast,
mast ball,
mast band,
mast bed,
mast cell,
mast cell leukemia,
mast clamp,
mast cloth,
mast hasp,
mast house
British Dictionary definitions for mast cell
mast cell
noun
a type of granular basophil cell in connective tissue that releases heparin, histamine, and serotonin during inflammation and allergic reactions
Word Origin for mast cell
C19: from
mast ², on the model of German
Mastzelle
Medical definitions for mast cell
mast cell
n.
A cell found in connective tissue that contains numerous basophilic granules and releases substances such as heparin and histamine in response to injury or inflammation of bodily tissues.
labrocyte mastocyte
Scientific definitions for mast cell
mast cell
[ măst ]
A granular cell found in body tissue, especially connective tissue, that activates inflammation by releasing a variety of chemical substances including histamine, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukins. Mast cells have membrane receptors that bind to bacteria, triggering the release of inflammatory mediators from the mast cell's cytoplasmic granules. Mast cells also play an important role in allergic reactions. Other receptors on their membranes bind to specific antibodies that, combined with certain antigens, initiate granular release of chemical mediators that cause allergic signs and symptoms.