20 Examples of Specialized Cells

The specialized cells are those committed to the fulfillment of a particular function within a system or cellular tissue. This specialization is essential in the evolutionary emergence of the multicellular organisms, since the differentiation of tasks and responsibilities allows the constitution and functioning of more complex biological structures. For example: myocytes, atrocytes, osteocytes.

This is particularly evident during embryonic stages or the constitution of a new individual of the species, when the different cells that make up the zygote begin to distinguish themselves from the others, each assuming an identity related to the future parts of the individual's body fully formed.

The famous “mother cells”On the other hand, they are those still undifferentiated cells that harbor the potential to become any type of cell necessary in the body.

Examples of specialized cells

1. Myocytes. A type of elastic cell, capable of expanding and contracting its proportions, which constitutes the muscular tissues, responsible for mobility in the living beings of the Animal Kingdom. Those that make up the heart, for example, never stop stretching and contracting throughout the individual's life.
   instagram story viewer
2. Astrocytes. Chemically and electrically configured for the conduction of the information that constitutes the bulk of the Nervous System of the animals, are in charge, together with neurons, of the control of various bodily processes, both automatic and conscious.
3. Osteocytes. Cells responsible for the assimilation of calcium and other elements for the elaboration and mineralization of bones, are key in the support of the organism of the Vertebrate animals and the physical protection of vital organs.
4. Erythrocytes. The most abundant cells in the blood of higher animals are responsible for carrying oxygen to the different systems cells of the body, keeping them nourished and energized, and for this they have hemoglobin, an oxygen receptor that allows their transport.
5. Gametes. Sex cells, morphologically differentiated according to the gender of the individual that produces them (male and female), in which half of the complete genetic makeup of the individual and produce, through fertilization and meiosis, an embryo that will eventually become a fully individual new.
6. Chlorénchymes. Cells that make up the main plant tissues: the leaves, and are responsible for photosynthesis through which they obtain the vegetable beings your energy. For this they have chloroplasts inside, and require sunlight, carbon dioxide, you go out and water.
7. Epidermal cells. The outer tissues of plants and animals are made up of this type of cells, whose arrangement in layers scaly and flexible (in animals) or impermeable and flattened (in plants) provide protection and delimitation to the individual.
8. Leukocytes. Part of the immune system, in charge of defending the body from possible microbial invaders and pathogens, these cells advocate the isolation and expulsion of the elements from the body unwanted.
9. Hepatocytes. Those that form the liver of higher animals, are responsible for the synthesis of protein vital and the production of bile, vital for digestive and assimilative processes, as well as the catabolism of toxic substances or excess blood.
10. Adipocytes. They form adipose or fatty tissue in animals, through the storage of triglycerides and cholesterol, as a method of energy storage.
11. Chondrocytes. Exclusive cells of cartilage tissue, responsible for keeping it standing, from its collagen and proteoglycan contents. In some animals they make up the complete skeleton from this material.
12. Sclereids. Plant cells responsible for constituting hard and resistant tissues, present in stone fruits or in certain supporting plant tissues. Very irregular in shape, they are characterized by their thick secondary cell wall.
13. Enterocytes. Forming part of the epithelium (outer wall) of the intestinal ducts of animals, they fulfill the function of absorbing electrolytes, water and the various essential nutrients of the alimentary matter that later will become excrement.
14. Mast cells. Ovoid cells of the human body that are part of the connective tissue, where they carry out tasks immunological, from substances such as heparin and histamine, which trigger defensive reactions in the organism.
15. Hyphae. Chitin-coated, tube-shaped cell rows, which are characteristic of the mushrooms and whose set is called mycelia. They lack chloroblasts, like animal cells, but have a cell wall, like plant cells. That is why they form a separate kingdom (fungi kingdom).
16. Fibroblasts. Simple, abundant and common cells, very little differentiated, of the body of animals, where constitute the bulk of the connective tissue, holding together but differentiated the various tissues of the Body.
17. Endothelial cells. They constitute the wall and the inner layer of the blood vessels and capillaries of higher animals, fulfilling various regulatory functions, hormonal secretion and blood system transport.
18. Schwann cells. Covering the neurons In a layer of myelin, they distinguish themselves from the rest of the nerve cells, providing them with support and protection.
19. Melanocytes. Located in the skin tissues of the human body and some animals, they contain myelin that gives the characteristic color to the tissue when it comes into contact with UV radiation.
20. Optical cells. Various cell types located in the eyes of animals, responsible for capturing light information and transmitting it to the nervous system to be interpreted. +