General Anatomy · Haematological System · Medium

Monocyte

Meaning: A large white blood cell that circulates in blood before moving into tissues to become a macrophage.

In practice: A raised monocyte count can be seen in chronic infections such as tuberculosis.

Word parts

  • -cyte means a cell

Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.

Quick check

Two questions on related general anatomy words.

Which word means: A red blood cell, containing haemoglobin and carrying oxygen from the lungs to the tissues.

Which word means: The foreskin; the retractable fold of skin covering the tip of the penis or clitoris.

Words like monocyte come up in the daily game

One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.

Related words

More general anatomy terms · All medical words