Target Cells
What Are Target Cells?
The word “target cells” is used in various different ways within the fields of hematology, immunology, and endocrinology. Commonly, the particular meaning is clear from the context, as the cells handled as target cells in these areas are very different. In the case of hematology, a target cell is a kind of red blood cell which has formulated a bulls-eye appearance, as a result of thickening sides and a narrowing middle.
Target cells are erythrocytes with a central color spot in the area of pallor, resembling a target. They are seen in many hemolytic anemias, especially sickle cell, HbC disease, and thalassemia. In endocrinology, target cells can denote to the cells where hormones have their effect. Target cells are capable of responding to hormones because they bear organs to which the hormone can attach. Hormones will float along the bloodstream until they find an appropriate target cell. Many cells in the body act as target cells for particular hormones, and some are organs for multiple hormones.
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