Connection lost. Please refresh the page.
Online
EN | DE | PT | ES Get help How to study Login Register
Anatomy
Basics
Terminology Introduction to the musculoskeletal system Introduction to the other systems
Upper limb
Overview Shoulder and arm Elbow and forearm Wrist and hand Nerves and vessels
Lower limb
Overview Hip and thigh Knee and leg Ankle and foot Nerves and vessels
Spine and back
Overview Spine Back
Thorax
Thoracic wall Female breast Mediastinum Lungs Heart
Abdomen
Abdominal wall Peritoneum Stomach Spleen Liver Pancreas Small intestine Large intestine Kidneys and ureters Nerves, vessels and lymphatics of the abdomen
Pelvis and perineum
Pelvic girdle and floor Female pelvis and reproductive organs Male pelvis and reproductive organs Urinary bladder and urethra Perineum Nerves, vessels and lymphatics of the pelvis
Head and neck
Overview Skull Face and scalp Infratemporal region and pterygopalatine fossa Orbit and contents Nasal region Ear Oral cavity Teeth Pharynx Neck
Neuroanatomy
Overview Cerebrum Diencephalon Cerebellum Brainstem Meninges, ventricular system and subarachnoid space Blood supply of the brain Spinal cord Pathways of the nervous system Cranial nerves Peripheral nervous system
Cross sections
Head and neck Upper limb Thorax Abdomen Male pelvis Female pelvis Lower extremity
Radiological anatomy
Head and neck Thorax Abdomen and pelvis Upper limb Lower limb
Histology
General
Introduction to cells and tissues Epithelial tissue Connective tissue Nervous tissue Muscle tissue Cartilage and bone
Body systems
Cardiovascular system Nervous system Integumentary system Musculoskeletal system Respiratory system Urinary system Endocrine system Digestive system Lymphatic system Male reproductive system Female reproductive system
HistologyGeneralConnective tissue
Plasma cells
Ready to learn?
Pick your favorite study tool

Register now and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide!

Plasma cells

Author: Ruvimbo Chiswo MD • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios MD, PhD
Last reviewed: August 15, 2023
Reading time: 1 minute

Plasma cells
Plasmocytus
1/3
Synonyms: Plasmatocytes

Plasma cells are relatively large, ovoid antibody-producing cells. These cells are derived from activated B lymphocytes. Plasma cells are prevalent in loose connective tissue, particularly in areas where antigens enter the body, such as the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. They are also a natural component of salivary glands, lymph nodes, and hematopoietic tissue. 

Plasma cells have specific characteristics that make them identifiable:

  • They are basophilic due to the extensive rough endoplasmic reticulum in their cytoplasm.
  • The golgi apparatus is visibly prominent, appearing as a clear acidophilic area in contrast to the basophilic cytoplasm under a light microscope.
  • The nucleus of the plasma cell is spherical and usually eccentrically positioned. It contains large clumps of peripheral heterochromatin interspersed with clear areas of euchromatin, giving it a characteristic cartwheel or an analog clock face appearance.

The extensive endoplasmic reticulum and well-developed Golgi apparatus of plasma cells enable them to carry out their primary function of synthesis, modification, and secretion of antibodies.

Terminology: English: plasma cell 
Latin: Plasmocytus
Location:
 Loose connective tissue in areas prone to antigen entry 
Function:  Protection via production of antibodies 

Learn more about the plasma cells and the other cellular components of the loose connective tissue in this study unit:

Loose connective tissue Explore study unit

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.

References:

  • Ross M. H., Pawlina W: Histology: A text and atlas: With Correlated Cell and Molecular Biology, 6th edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Plasma cells: want to learn more about it?

Our engaging videos, interactive quizzes, in-depth articles and HD atlas are here to get you top results faster.

What do you prefer to learn with?

Videos Quizzes Both

“I would honestly say that Kenhub cut my study time in half.” – Read more. Kim Bengochea Kim Bengochea, Regis University, Denver

© Unless stated otherwise, all content, including illustrations are exclusive property of Kenhub GmbH, and are protected by German and international copyright laws. All rights reserved.

Register now and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide!