giant cell

giant cell

also called  Langhans' giant cell 

      large cell characterized by an arc of nuclei (nucleus) toward the outer membrane. The cell is formed by the fusion of epithelioid cells, which are derived from immune cells called macrophages. Once fused, these cells share the same cytoplasm, and their nuclei become arranged in an arc near the outer edge of the cell. Langhans' giant cells typically form at the centre of granulomas (aggregates of macrophages) and are found in the tubercle, or primary focus of infection, in tuberculosis, in lesions of syphilis, leprosy, and sarcoidosis, and in fungal infections.

      Large cells that form by fusion in reaction to the presence in the body of foreign substances differ from Langhans' giant cells in that their many nuclei are scattered throughout the cell. In giant-cell tumours (tumour) of bone and tendon the cells have many nuclei crowded together. The megakaryocytes, the normal bone-marrow (bone marrow) cells thought to be the source of the blood platelets (platelet), are also called giant cells.

* * *


Universalium. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужно сделать НИР?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Giant cell — Giant Gi ant, a. Like a giant; extraordinary in size, strength, or power; as, giant brothers; a giant son. [1913 Webster] {Giant cell}. (Anat.) See {Myeloplax}. {Giant clam} (Zo[ o]l.), a bivalve shell of the genus {Tridacna}, esp. {T. gigas},… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Giant cell — Multinucleated giant cells due to an infection. H E stain. A giant cell is a mass formed by the union of several distinct cells (usually macrophages).[1] It can arise in response to an infection or foreign body. Types include: foreign body giant… …   Wikipedia

  • giant cell — noun : an unusually large cell; especially : a large multinuclear often phagocytic cell (as those characteristic of tubercular lesions, various sarcomas, or the megakaryocytes of the red marrow) * * * giant cell, an unusually large tissue or… …   Useful english dictionary

  • Giant-cell tumor of bone — Classification and external resources Micrograph of a giant cell tumor of bone showing the characteristic giant cells. H E stain …   Wikipedia

  • Giant cell tumor of bone — Giant cell tumor of the bone (also called giant cell myeloma or osteoclastoma) is a relatively uncommon tumor. It is characterized by the presence of multinucleated giant cells (osteoclast like cells). These tumors are generally benign.cite… …   Wikipedia

  • Giant-cell arteritis — Classification and external resources The arteries of the face and scalp. ICD 10 M31.5 M …   Wikipedia

  • giant cell granuloma — giant cell reparative granuloma a type of lesion of the jaws characterized by a proliferation of vascular connective tissue and multinucleate giant cells. The etiology is unknown, but a possible link to earlier trauma has made some authorities… …   Medical dictionary

  • Giant cell fibroma — is a type of fibroma not associated with trauma or irritation. It can occur at any age and on a mucous membrane surface. The most common oral locations are on the gingiva of the mandible, tongue, and palate. It is a localized reactive… …   Wikipedia

  • Giant cell fibroblastoma — is a rare type of soft tissue tumor marked by painless nodules in the dermis (the inner layer of the two main layers of tissue that make up the skin) and subcutaneous (beneath the skin) tissue. These tumors may come back after surgery, but they… …   Wikipedia

  • giant-cell tumor — n an osteolytic tumor affecting the metaphyses and epiphyses of long bones, composed of a stroma of spindle cells containing dispersed multinucleate giant cells, and usu. being benign but sometimes malignant called also osteoclastoma …   Medical dictionary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”