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Mast cell
Mast cell Tissue located cell probably derived from basophils. Possesses receptor for Fc of IgE. Participates in 'Immediate hypersensitivity' reactions.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Tissue
Biological tissue is a group of cells that perform a similar function.The study of tissues is known as histology, or, in connection with disease, histopathology.The classical tools for studying the tissues are the wax block, the tissue stain, and the optical microscope, though developments in electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, and frozen sections have all added to the sum of knowledge in the last couple of decades.
Cell
Fundamental structural unit of all life. The cell consists primarily of an outer plasma membrane, which separates it from the environment; the genetic material (DNA), which encodes heritable information for the maintainance of life; and the cytoplasm, a heterogeneous assemblage of ions, molecules, and fluid.
Receptor
A molecule that recognizes a unique hormone. Once that hormone is bound to the receptor, the information carried by the hormone can now exert its biological action.
IgE
IgE ( Immuno globulin E) is the antibody produced in excess in allergic patients. IgE can be measured in a blood sample to determine if a person is allergic. Allergic people usually have high levels of IgE.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Mast cells
Cells, which synthesize and store histamines, found in most body tissues, particularly just below the epithelial surfaces, serous cavities and around blood vessels. In an allergic response, an allergen stimulates the release of antibodies, which attach themselves to mast cells.
Mastectomy
Surgical removal of the entire breast. Radical mastectomy is surgical removal of the breast muscle and any number of lymph nodes; bilateral mastectomy is surgical removal of both breasts.
Master
Sadomasochistic vernacular term for the sadistic partner whose role is one of total domination and disciplinarian.
Masterton Hospital
The Masterton Hospital is a hospital in Central North Island, New Zealand.
Mastication
Process of chewing food.
Mastitis
Infection of the milk ducts in the breast.
Mastoid
A bony, rounded projection of the skull located behind each ear.
Mastoiditis
An infection of the mastoid bone that can cause redness, warmth, swelling and pain behind the ear, sometimes with drainage from the ear.
Masturbation
Sexuoerotic genital self-stimulation by pressure or touch, self-stimulation, usually though not necessarily climaxing in orgasm [from Latin, manus, hand + st[u]parare, to deflower, ravish, fornicate, or to engage in adultery, incest, or rape]. From its Latin derivation, the literal meaning of masturbation is to use the genitalia to ravish or rape the hand. etymologically, hand-rape, the manual practice of erotic self-stimulation, formerly stigmatized as a crime against nature. Today it is considered normal and healthy and is not limited to either the hands or the self. It includes digital stimulation of the genitalia of a partner as well as of oneself.
Masturbation fantasy
Cognitional rehearsal of erotically stimulating activity that accompanies, and may precede, an episode of masturbation. To the extent that the content of its imagery and ideation, like that of a sleeping dream, has a high degree of autonomy and individual specificity in its power to stimulate genital arousal, it is not voluntarily chosen or preferred. 2. Imagery of erotically stimulating content that accompanies, and may precede, an episode of masturbation. Like the imagery of a sleeping dream, its content has a high degree of autonomy and is not voluntarily chosen.
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Mammography
An X-ray procedure using a special low irradiation technique to detect abnormal change in breast tissue. Its main use is to detect breast lumps that are too small to be found during breast self examination or physical examination. The higher the level of estrogen (and possibly progestin) the more dense breast tissue is and the less likely that a mammogram will see abnormal tissue. It has many false positive readings meaning that there is no cancer yet the test was abnormal.
Motor neuron disease
Diseases characterized by a selective degeneration of the motor neurons of the spinal cord, brainstem, or motor cortex. Clinical subtypes are distinguished by the major site of degeneration. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis there is involvment of upper, lower, and brainstem motor neurons. In progressive muscular atrophy and related syndromes the motor neurons in the spinal cord are primarily affected. With progressive bulbar palsy, the initial degeneration occurs in the brainstem. In primary lateral sclerosis, the cortical neurons are affected in isolation.
Macrophage
A large phagocytic cell of the mononuclear series found within tissues. Properties include phagocytosis, and antigen presentation to T cells.
Macrophage-activating factor (MAF)
Actually several lymphokines, including interferon, released by activated T cells, which together induce activation of macrophages, making them more efficient in phagocytosis and cytotoxicity.
Major histocompatibility complex (MHC)
A cluster of genes on chromosome 6 in humans, encoding cell surface molecules that are polymorphic and that code for antigens which lead to rapid graft rejection between members of a single species which differ at these loci. Several classes of protein such as MHC class I and II proteins are encoded in this region. These in humans, are known as 'Human leukocyte antigens' (HLA).
Mast cell
Memory
In the immune system, memory denotes an active state of immunity to a specific antigen, such that a second encounter with that antigen leads to a larger and more rapid response.
MHC class I molecule
A molecule encoded to genes of the MHC which participates in antigen presentation to cytotoxic T (CD8+) cells.
MHC class II molecule
A molecule encoded by genes of the MHC which participates in antigen presentation to helper T (CD4+) cells.
MHC restriction
The ability of T lymphocytes to respond only when they 'see' the appropriate antigen in association with "self" MHC class I or class II proteins on the antigen presenting cells.
Migration inhibition factor (MIF)
A lymphokine that inhibits the motility of macrophages in culture.
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