Although the word chondroblast is commonly used to describe an immature chondrocyte, the term is imprecise, since the progenitor of chondrocytes (which are mesenchymal stem cells) can differentiate into various cell types, including osteoblasts
choanocyte. n. 1. (Zoology) any of the flagellated cells in sponges that maintain a flow of water through the body. A collar of protoplasm surrounds the base of the flagellum. Also called: collar cell.
Melanocytes are the cells that synthesize pigment. Through a series of enzymatic reactions these cells efficiently produce melanin pigment that determines skin color. Once it is formed, melanin is packaged into tiny vesicles called melanosomes. The melanocyte has tiny tentacles that it uses to transfer melanosomes to other skin cells. It is interesting to note that dark-skinned patients do not have more melanocytes but instead have melanocytes with more pigment producing power.