Eponymous cell names in Medicine

Eponymous cell names in Medicine

Cells and structures – Eponymous cell names in Medicine

Name Named AfterDescription
Auer rodsDr. John AuerCrystalline inclusion bodies found in myeloid cells and characteristic of certain types of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Betz cellsVladimir Aleksandrovich BetzLarge pyramidal cells located in the motor cortex of the cerebrum.
Cajal cellsSantiago Ramón y CajalSpecific types of cells found in the brain’s cerebral cortex. notes they were first discovered by Santiago Ramón y Cajal.
Clara cellsMax ClaraSecretory cells found in the lungs, now commonly known as club cells.
Kupffer cellsKarl Wilhelm KupfferMacrophages (phagocytic cells) located in the liver.
Langerhans cellsPaul LangerhansA type of dendritic cell found in the epidermis and involved in the immune response.
Islets of LangerhansPaul LangerhansClusters of cells in the pancreas that produce hormones, including insulin.
Paneth cellsJoseph PanethCells located in the small intestine and involved in immune defense by secreting antimicrobial peptides.
Purkinje cellsJan E. PurkinjeLarge, flask-shaped neurons located in the cerebellum of the brain.
Reed-Sternberg cellsDr. Carl Sternberg and Dr. Dorothy ReedDistinctive large cells found in Hodgkin lymphoma.
Renshaw cellsBirdsey RenshawInhibitory interneurons found in the spinal cord.
Sertoli cellsEnrico Sertoli“Nurse” cells found in the testes that are essential for sperm production.

 


Advanced information on eponymous cell names

Eponymous Cell NameDescription and LocationClinical Significance and Diagnostic UseRelevant Disease Associations
Auer rodsNeedle-like or rod-shaped cytoplasmic inclusions composed of azurophilic granules, found within the cytoplasm of myeloid blasts and promyelocytesPathognomonic for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), differentiating it from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Their presence indicates a myeloid lineage origin and can be associated with specific AML subtypes (e.g., M2, M3, M4).Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), particularly M2, M3 (acute promyelocytic leukemia), and M4 subtypes.
Betz cellsLarge pyramidal neurons (motor neurons) located in layer V of the primary motor cortex (precentral gyrus)Involved in the initiation and coordination of voluntary movement. Degeneration is seen in certain neurological disorders.Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) – atrophy and loss of Betz cells contribute to motor neuron degeneration; Primary Lateral Sclerosis.
Cajal cells (interstitial cells of Cajal)Specialized pacemaker cells found in the gastrointestinal tract (between muscle layers)Play a crucial role in regulating gastrointestinal motility and peristalsis, acting as electrical pacemakers. Dysfunction can lead to motility disorders.Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders (e.g., chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, Hirschsprung’s disease), Gastroparesis.
Kupffer cellsSpecialized macrophages located in the liver sinusoidsParticipate in the reticuloendothelial system, clearing blood of pathogens, debris, and senescent red blood cells. They play a role in liver immunity, inflammation, and metabolism.Liver diseases (e.g., hepatitis, cirrhosis), Sepsis (involvement in systemic inflammation).
Langerhans cellsAntigen-presenting dendritic cells residing in the epidermis (and other stratified squamous epithelia like oral mucosa)Key in initiating immune responses in the skin by presenting antigens to T lymphocytes. They can migrate to lymph nodes to activate adaptive immunity.Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) – neoplastic proliferation of Langerhans cells; various skin inflammatory and allergic conditions.
Islets of LangerhansClusters of endocrine cells within the pancreasProduce and secrete hormones vital for glucose regulation (e.g., insulin from beta cells, glucagon from alpha cells, somatostatin from delta cells).Diabetes Mellitus (type 1 and type 2), Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (islet cell tumors).
Paneth cellsSpecialized epithelial cells located at the base of the crypts of Lieberkühn in the small intestineContribute to intestinal immunity by secreting antimicrobial peptides (e.g., defensins, lysozyme) and growth factors, maintaining the stem cell niche.Crohn’s disease (dysfunction and reduced numbers), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
Purkinje cellsLarge, flask-shaped neurons with extensive dendritic trees found in the cerebellar cortexCrucial for motor coordination, balance, and motor learning. Their intricate dendritic trees allow for extensive synaptic input integration.Ataxia (various forms, e.g., spinocerebellar ataxias), Cerebellar Degeneration, Alcoholism (Purkinje cell loss), Multiple Sclerosis.
Reed-Sternberg cellsLarge, multinucleated cells with prominent nucleoli (owl’s eye appearance)The defining tumor cells of Hodgkin lymphoma. While they are characteristic, they constitute a small proportion of the tumor mass, with the majority being inflammatory cells. Their presence is essential for diagnosing classical Hodgkin lymphoma.Hodgkin Lymphoma.
Renshaw cellsInhibitory interneurons located in the ventral horn of the spinal cordRegulate motor neuron activity through recurrent inhibition, providing feedback control to prevent over-excitation of motor neurons.Spasticity (disrupted Renshaw cell function contributes to increased muscle tone), Strychnine poisoning (inhibits glycine receptors on Renshaw cells, leading to convulsions).
Sertoli cellsLarge, columnar “nurse” cells located within the seminiferous tubules of the testes, providing support and nourishment to developing sperm cellsCrucial for spermatogenesis, forming the blood-testis barrier, and secreting hormones like anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and androgen-binding protein. According to ScienceDirect.com they are one of the two types of cells in the germinal epithelium.

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