INTRODUCTION
It is estimated that there are 37.2 trillion cells that work together to make the human body function and to keep it alive.
However,the complex human body have basic building blocks called cells which lay the foundation of almost all the living creatures. A cells is the fundamental unit of life and can be found from a tiniest bacteria to the complex human body.
The function of generating energy and synthesizing proteins are all done by cells irrespective of their small size,with most cells measuring 10-100 micrometer in diameter.
Cells are of various types around 200 in a human body and each one of them plays crucial role in maintaining the health and well being of a human body. Each cell has their own characteristics,structure and functions.
It is quite essential to understand the different types of cells to appreciate the beauty and complexity of human body. Studying the different cells will help us in acknowledgement of our health and prevention of diseases.
In this blog,we will unveil the magnificent world of cells by examining their structure,function and characteristics.
TYPES OF CELLS
1.Stem Cells
☆The master cells of the body which are specialized cells as they have the ability to develop into different cells types in the body thus playing a vital role in growth,development and repair.
☆Characteristics of the stem cells:
•They have the ability of dividing and replicating on their own.
•They can develop into different cells like muscle cells,nerve cell or blood cells.
•They have the ability to develop into any cell type in the body.
☆Types of Stem cells:
•Embryonic stem cells:These cells with the ability to develop into any cell type in the body are derived from the embryo.
•Adult stem cells:These cells have limited access to develop only in specific cell types and are present in the adult tissues.
•Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells:These cells are undergo reprogramming in the laboratory to develop into any cell type.
☆Applications of stem cells:
•Damaged tissues or organs can be replaced or repaired by stem cells.
•Artificial tissues and organs can be created by using these cells.
•They aid in the study of cancer development and to test new treatments.
2. Epithelial Cells
☆The cells which are formed by the lining of various organs,glands and body surfaces thus playing a vital role in protecting the body from external damage,regulating the exchange of substances and facilitate the secretion of hormones and enzymes.
☆Types of epithelial cells:
•Sqaumous Epithelial cells:The cells forming the lining of surfaces, that of skin and lungs because of their flat,plate-like shape.
•Cuboidal Epithelial cells:The cells forming the lining of glands and organs,that of kidneys and pancreas as they are cube-shaped.
•Columnar Epithelial cells:The cells forming the lining of organs,that of stomach and intestines as they are tall and cloumn-shaped.
•Pseudostratified epithelial cells:The cells found in the organs of respiratory tract which appear to be layered but in actual they only form a single layer of cells.
☆Functions of epithelial cells:
•They help in the formation of a barrier against any kind of external damage like physical injury,chemicals and pathogens.
•They aid in the regulation and exchange of nutrients,waste products and ions between the body and the environment.
•They help in the secretion of hormones and enzymes in glands and organs which ultimately helps in the regulation of various bodily functions.
•They aid in detecting and transmitting the sensory information in the sensory organs like skin,eyes and ears.
3.Connective Tissue Cells
☆The cells found in the whole body from the skin and bones to the organs and blood vessels providing support,structure and connectivity to various organs and tissues in the body.
☆Types of connective tissue cells :
•Fibroblasts:The fiber and collagen producing cells which provides structure and support to tissues.
•Osteoblasts:The bone matrix producing cells which aids in growth and repair of bones.
•Chondrocytes:The cartilage matrix producing cells which provides cushioning and support to joints.
•Adipocytes:The fat storing cells which provides energy and insulation to the body.
•Macrophages:The cells which have the ability to engulf and digest foreign particles and microorganisms thus providing protection to the body.
☆Functions of connective tissue cells:
•The organs and tissues are able to maintain their shape and function because of the support and structure provided by these cells.
•The exchange of nutrients,waste products and signals to stimuli are possible as these cells forms a connecting link between tissues and organs.
•They form a barrier against external damage thereby protecting tissues and organs.
•These cells can store and transport,nutrients,waste products throughout the body.
4. Muscle Cells
☆The movement and motion of the body is possible because of the specialized cells also known as muscle fibers which have the ability to contract and relax ensuring movement of the body.
☆Types of muscle cells:
•Skeletal muscle cells: The cells responsible for voluntary movements and are found in skeletal muscles.
•Smooth muscle cells: The cells responsible for involuntary movements like digestion and blood pressure regulation,and are found in smooth muscles.
•Cardiac muscle cells: The cells responsible for pumping blood throughout the body and are found in heart.
☆Functions of Muscle cells:
•They allow the body movement and motion as they contract and relax.
•They provide support and stability to joints and bones.
•By shivering and other mechanisms they help in the regulation of body temperature.
•They help in maintaining posture and balance of the body.
5.Nerve Cells
☆The processing and transmission of information in chemical and electrical form is possible due to the specialized cells also known as neurons (nerve cells) which forms the main component of brain,Spinal cord and Peripheral nerves.
☆Types of nerve cells:
•Sensory neurons: The cells transmitting sensory information from environment to the brain.
•Motor neurons: The cells that aids in transmission of signals from brain to muscles and glands.
•Interneurons: The cells which process and integrate information within the brain and spinal cord.
☆Functions of nerve cells:
•The communication and coordination between different body parts is possible as nerve cells transmit signals from one body part to another.
•We are able to respond to the environment as nerve cells process and interpret sensory information.
•Voluntary movements like walking,talking and writing are controlled by nerve cells.
•They can even control various bodily functions like heart rate,blood pressure and digestion.
SPECIALIZED CELLS
1.Red Blood Cells:
☆The specialized cells which carry oxygen from lungs to the tissues of the body and transports back carbon dioxide from tissues to the lungs.
☆Also known as erythrocytes they contain a protein named hemoglobin which gives blood its red color.
☆RBCs are produced in bone marrow and have a lifespan of approximately 120 days.
2.White Blood Cells:
☆The specialized cells which protects the body from infections and diseases by recognizing and destroying the foreign invaders like bacteria,viruses and other pathogens thus keeping the body healthy.
☆Also known as leukocytes, they are produced in bone marrow and circulate in blood and the lymphatic system.
3.Platelets :
☆Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are small, irregularly-shaped cells that play a crucial role in blood clotting.
☆Whenever a bl3.ood vessel is injured, platelets aggregate at the site and release chemicals that help to form a clot, stopping bleeding and promoting healing. ☆They are produced in the bone marrow and have a lifespan of approximately 8-12 days.