What is Mast cell?
{{Infobox cell | Name = Mast cell | Latin = mastocytus | Greek = | Image = SMCpolyhydroxysmall.jpg | Caption = Mast cells | Width = | Image2 = | Caption2 = | Precursor = | System = [[Immune system]] }} [[Image:Mast cell.png|thumb|Mast cell]] A '''mast cell''' is like a [[white blood cell]] (leukocyte) which lives and acts in [[Tissue (biology)|tissues]]. It is made in [[bone marrow]], and matures in tissues, where it defends against parasites. Mast cells have many [[Granule (cell biology)|granules]] rich in [[histamine]] and [[heparin]]. Mast cells play an important protective role in wound healing and defence against [[pathogen]]s.<ref name=Prussin>{{cite journal |author=Prussin C, Metcalfe DD |title=IgE, mast cells, basophils, and eosinophils |journal=J Allergy Clin Immunol |volume=111 |issue=2 Suppl |pages=S486–94 |year=2003 |pmid=12592295|doi=10.1067/mai.2003.120}}</ref> They are a part cause of [[allergy]] and [[anaphylaxis]], The mast cell is very similar in both appearance and function to the [[Basophil granulocyte|basophil]], a type of [[white blood cell]]. However, they are not the same. <ref>Marieb, Elaine N. & Katja Hoehn. 2007. ''Human anatomy and physiology''. 7th ed, San Francisco: Pearson Benjamin Cummings, 659.</ref> Mast cells were first described by [[Paul Ehrlich]] in his 1878 doctoral thesis. He noted the large granules visible once they were stained.<ref>Ehrlich P. 1878. ''Beiträge zur Theorie und Praxis der histologischen Färbung.'' Dissertation at Leipzig University.</ref> They are now considered to be part of the [[immune system]]. == References == {{Reflist}} [[Category:Cells]] [[Category:Immunology]]