|
| | |
Mast cells
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.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Epithelial
Of the cells that line the internal and external surfaces of the body.
Cavities
Holes in the two outer layers of a tooth called the enamel and the dentin. The enamel is the outermost white hard surface and the dentin is the yellow layer just beneath enamel. Both layers serve to protect the inner living tooth tissue called the pulp, where blood vessels and nerves reside. Small cavities may not cause pain, and may be unnoticed by the patient. Larger cavities can collect food, and the inner pulp of the affected tooth can become irritated by bacterial toxins, foods that are cold, hot, sour, or sweet - causing toothache. Also referred to as caries.
Blood
The life-maintaining fluid which is made up of plasma, red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets; blood circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries; it carries away waste matter and carbon dioxide, and brings nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen to the tissues.
Allergen
An antigen responsible for producing allergic reactions by inducing IgE formation.
Antibodies
Proteins produced by white blood cells. They confer immunity.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Mast cell
Tissue located cell probably derived from basophils. Possesses receptor for Fc of IgE. Participates in 'Immediate hypersensitivity' reactions.
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.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Malformation
Abnormal or anomalous formation or structure; deformity.
Malignant tumor
A mass of cancer cells that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant areas of the body.
Mallory-weiss tear
A tear in the lower end of the esophagus. Caused by severe vomiting. Common in alcoholics.
Manometry
Tests that measure muscle pressure and movements in the GI tract.
Marrow
The tissue which fills the cavities of most bones; the medulla. In the larger cavities it is commonly very fatty, but in the smaller cavities it is much less fatty, and red or reddish in color.
Mast cells
Mastitis
Infection of the milk ducts in the breast.
Maxillofacial
Of or relating to the upper jaw and face (particularly with reference to specialized surgery of the maxilla).
Meckel's diverticulum
A birth defect in which a small sac forms in the ileum.
Medicaid
Federally and state-funded health care program for low-income individuals.
Medicare
Federally funded health care program for individuals over age 65.
We thank you for using the Health Dictionary to search for Mast cells. If you have a better definition for Mast cells than the one presented here, please let us know by making use of the suggest a term option. This definition of Mast cells may be disputed by other professionals. Our attempt is to provide easy definitions on Mast cells and any other medical topic for the public at large.This dictionary contains 25007 terms. |
|
|
