gemistocytic astrocyte


Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Encyclopedia.

ge·mis·to·cyt·ic as·tro·cyte

a round to oval astrocyte cell with abundant cytoplasm containing glial filaments and an eccentric nucleus; may contain two nuclei in the cell; hypertrophy of astrocytes.
Synonym(s): gemistocyte, gemistocytic cell, reactive astrocyte, reactive cell

astrocyte

a neuroglial cell of ectodermal origin, characterized by fibrous or protoplasmic processes; collectively called astroglia or macroglia.
gemistocytic astrocyte
a plump astrocyte which results from injury to nervous tissue. Usually an extensive area is involved.