Pericardial cells
- Pronunciation
- /per-i-kar-dee-al sellz/
- Category
- Anatomy
- Singular
- Pericardial cell
- Plural
- Pericardial cells
Definition
Loose clusters of cells found on or near the external surface of the heart in arthropods. They are believed to have a phagocytic function, removing particulate matter from the hemolymph.
Etymology
From Latin 'peri-', meaning 'around', and 'cardi-', meaning 'heart'.
Example
Pericardial cells play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the insect heart.