Acanthocyte
Acanthocyte
Acanthocyte (/əˈkænθəsaɪt/), also known as spur cell, is a type of red blood cell that has a spiked cell membrane, due to abnormal thorny projections. The term "acanthocyte" comes from the Greek words "akantha", which means thorn, and "kytos", which means cell.
Etymology
The term "acanthocyte" is derived from the Greek words "akantha" (ἄκανθα), meaning thorn or spine, and "kytos" (κύτος), meaning cell. It was first used in medical literature in the mid-20th century to describe red blood cells with a spiky or thorny appearance.
Characteristics
Acanthocytes are characterized by their irregularly spiculated cell membranes with multiple, unevenly distributed thorny projections. Unlike normal red blood cells, which are typically smooth and round, acanthocytes have a spiked surface. This abnormal shape can affect the cell's ability to transport oxygen and can lead to various health problems.
Related Terms
- Anemia: A condition in which the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to the body's tissues.
- Echinocyte: A type of red blood cell that has a series of short, evenly spaced thorny projections. Echinocytes, also known as burr cells, are different from acanthocytes in the distribution and size of the projections.
- Stomatocyte: A type of red blood cell that has a mouth-like (stoma) shape. Stomatocytes are often associated with liver disease, alcoholism, and certain genetic disorders.
- Spherocyte: A type of red blood cell that is small, round, and lacks the central pallor. Spherocytes are commonly associated with conditions like hereditary spherocytosis and immune-mediated hemolytic anemia.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Acanthocyte
- Wikipedia's article - Acanthocyte
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