Degranulation

/ˌdiːɡrænjəˈleɪʃən/ noun

Definition

A biological process in which cells release the granules or packets of chemicals they contain, especially in immune cells like mast cells and basophils.

Etymology

From de- (remove) + granulation (from Latin granulum 'small grain'). This scientific term describes the literal removal of granules from cells during immune responses.

Kelly Says

When you have an allergic reaction, your mast cells undergo degranulation, releasing histamine in seconds—this ancient cellular mechanism is why antihistamines block allergy symptoms so quickly.

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