Types of Cells

in the Body
 Cells
• Cells in the human body number in
the trillions and come in all shapes
and sizes. These tiny structures are
the basic unit of living organisms.
Cells comprise tissues, tissues
comprise organs, organs form organ
systems, and organ systems work
together in an organism.
• Cells of the digestive
system, for instance, are
different in structure and
function from cells of
the skeletal system.
The following are examples
of different types of
cells in the body:
Stem Cells
Stem cells are unique cells of the body in
that they are unspecialized and have the
ability to develop into specialized cells for
specific organs or to develop into tissues.
Stem cells are able to divide, and replicate
many times in order to replenish and repair
tissue. In the field of stem cell research,
scientists are attempting to take advantage
of the renewal properties of stem cells by
utilizing them to generate cells for tissue
repair, organ transplantation, and for the
treatment of disease.
 Bone Cells
Bones are a type of
mineralized connective
tissue and a major
component of
the skeletal system.
Bone cells form bone,
which is composed of
a matrix of collagen
and calcium phosphate
minerals.
There are three primary
types of bone cells in
the body:
Osteoclasts are large cells that
decompose bone for resorption and
assimilation.

Osteoblasts regulate bone mineralization

and produce osteoid (organic substance
of bone matrix), which mineralizes to
form bone. Osteoblasts mature to form
osteocytes.

Osteocytes aid in the formation of bone

and help maintain calcium balance.
 Red Blood Cells
Red blood cell, also
called erythrocyte,
cellular component
of blood, millions of
which in the
circulation of
vertebrates give the
blood its
characteristic colour
and carry oxygen
from the lungs to the
tissues.
The three major types of
cells in the blood are Red
Blood Cells, White Blood
Cells and Platelets.
Red blood cells determine blood type and are
also responsible for transporting oxygen to
cells.

White blood cells are immune system cells that

destroy pathogens and provide immunity.

Platelets help to clot blood and prevent

excessive blood loss due to broken or
damaged blood vessels.

Blood cells are produced by bone marrow.

 Muscle Cells
Muscle cells
form muscle
tissue, which
is important
for bodily
movement.
 Skeletal muscle
tissue attaches to bones enabling voluntary movement.
Skeletal muscle cells are covered by connective tissue,
which protects and supports the muscle fiber bundles.
 Cardiac muscle
cells form involuntary cardiac muscle found in
the heart. These cells aid in heart contraction and are
joined to one another by intercalated discs, which allow
for synchronization of the heart beat.
 Smooth muscle
tissue is not striated like cardiac and skeletal muscle.
Smooth muscle is involuntary muscle that lines body
cavities and forms the walls of many organs (kidneys,
intestines, blood vessels, lung airways, etc.).
Fat Cells
Fat cells, also called adipocytes, are the major
cell component of adipose tissue. Adipocytes
contain droplets of stored fat
(triglycerides) that can be used for energy.
When fat is being stored, fat cells swell and
become round in shape. When fat is being used,
these cells shrink in size. Adipose cells also
have an endocrine function as they
produce hormones that influence sex hormone
metabolism, blood pressure regulation, insulin
sensitivity, fat storage and use, blood clotting,
and cell signaling.
 Skin Cells
The skin is composed of a layer
of epithelial tissue (epidermis)
that is supported by a layer
of connective tissue (dermis) and
an underlying subcutaneous
layer. The outermost layer of
the skin is composed of flat,
squamous epithelial cells that are
closely packed together. The
skin protects the internal
structures of the body from
damage, prevents dehydration,
acts as a barrier against germs,
stores fat, and produces
vitamins and hormones.
 Nerve Cells
Nerve cells or neurons are the
basic unit of the nervous system.
Nerves send signals among
the brain, spinal cord, and other
body organs via nerve impulses.
A neuron consists of two major
parts: a cell body and nerve
processes. The central cell body
contains the neuron's nucleus,
associated cytoplasm,
and organelles. Nerve processes
are "finger-like" projections
(axons and dendrites) that
extend from the cell body and are
 Endothelial Cells
Endothelial cells form the inner
lining of cardiovascular
system and lymphatic
system structures. These cells
makes up the inner layer of blood
vessels, lymphatic vessels, and
organs including the brain, lungs,
skin, and heart. Endothelial cells
are responsible for angiogenesis or
the creation of new blood vessels.
They also regulate the movement
of macromolecules, gases, and
fluid between the blood and
surrounding tissues, and help to
regulate blood pressure.
 Sex Cells
Sex cells or gametes are
reproductive cells produced in male
and female gonads. Male sex cells
or sperm are motile and have a
long, tail-like projection called
a flagellum. Female sex cells or
ova are non-motile and relatively
large in comparison to the male
gamete. In sexual reproduction,
sex cells unite
during fertilization to form a new
individual. While other body cells
replicate by mitosis, gametes
reproduce by meiosis.
Pancreatic Cells
The pancreas functions as both an exocrine
and endocrine organ. Exocrine acinar
cells produce and secrete digestive enzymes
that are transported by ducts to the small
intestine. A very small percentage of
pancreatic cells have endocrine function and
secrete hormones. Pancreatic endocrine cells
are found in small clusters called islets of
Langerhans. Hormones produced by these cells
include insulin, glucagon, and gastrin.
Pancreatic cells are important for regulating
blood glucose concentration levels as well as
for the digestion of proteins, carbohydrates,
and fats.
Cancer Cells
Cancer results from the development of
abnormal properties in normal cells that enable
them to divide uncontrollably and spread to
other locations. Cancer cell development can be
caused by mutations that occur from factors
such as chemicals, radiation, ultraviolet
light, chromosome replication errors, or viral
infection. Cancer cells lose sensitivity to anti-
growth signals, proliferate rapidly, and lose
the ability to undergo apoptosis or programmed
cell death.
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