DefinitionA histiocyte is a type of immune cell that eats foreign substances in an effort to protect the body from infection.
Alternative NamesMacrophage
InformationHistiocytes do not travel through the blood. Instead, they remain in one part of the body.
Histiocytes are found in many organs and tissues, including the following:
- Brain
- Breast tissue
- Liver
- Lymph nodes
- Placenta
- Spleen
- Tonsils
An abnormal number of histiocytes leads to a disease called histiocytosis X.
ReferencesGoronzy JJ, Weyand Cm. The innate and adaptive immune systems. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 42.