Germinal Center
| Definition: |
The activated center of a lymphoid follicle in secondary lymphoid tissue where B-LYMPHOCYTES are stimulated by antigens and helper T cells (T-LYMPHOCYTES, HELPER-INDUCER) are stimulated to generate memory cells. |
| Previously Indexed: |
B-Lymphocytes (1976-1995),Lymph Nodes (1968-1995),Lymphocytes (1968-1995),Lymphoid Tissue (1966-1995) |
Germinal Center Categories.
 |
Dendritic Cells, Follicular - Cells with extensive dendritic processes found in the B-cell areas (primary follicles and germinal centers) of lymphoid tissue. They are unrelated to the DENDRITIC CELLS associated with T-cells. Follicular dendritic cells have Fc receptors (RECEPTORS, FC) and C3b receptors (RECEPTORS, COMPLEMENT 3B), but unlike other dendritic cells, they do not process or present antigen in a way that allows recognition by T-cells. Instead, they hold antigen in the form of immune complexes on their surfaces for long periods and can present antigen to B-cells during an immune response. (From Herbert et al., Dictionary of Immunology, 4th ed) |
Germinal Center Definitions and Terms
MedicalGlossary.org is designed as a free, browsable resource for all. The medical terms and definitions are not intended to replace medical informaion provided by licensed healthcare professionals. Please see a doctor if you need medical assistance. Don't see the medical term you were researching? Send us an e-mail from our "about us" page. We will do our best to research and classify new medical terms in a timely manner. Our current list of medical terms is over 26,000. Data sources include the U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2004 Medical Subject Headings.
|
