CorpusHuman Anatomy
Cells & TissuesCell

Cell types of the body (catalogue)

Also known as: cell types, human cell types, specialised cells

A guide to the major specialised cell types of the human body, each a variation on the common eukaryotic plan adapted to a particular function.

Overview

Distinct cell types≈200 classical; several hundred by single-cell atlases
Most numerous cellErythrocyte (≈84 % by number)
Largest cellSecondary oocyte (≈120 µm)
Longest cellsMotor and sensory neurons (axons ≈1 m)

Classical histology recognises about 200 distinct cell types; single-cell RNA-sequencing atlases now distinguish several hundred. Structure reflects function: cells that secrete protein are rich in RER and Golgi; cells that make steroids are rich in SER; cells that pump ions are packed with mitochondria; absorptive cells carry microvilli; cells that move fluid carry cilia; cells that resist stress are linked by desmosomes and keratin; cells that transmit signals have long processes.

By number, the body is dominated by erythrocytes (≈25 trillion, ≈84 % of all cells) and platelets, but by mass skeletal muscle fibres and adipocytes make up most of the cellular tissue. This catalogue links to the detailed entries for each cell type, many of which belong to other body systems.

Parts & subdivisions

  1. Neuron
    Excitable signalling cell with dendrites and an axon.
  2. Astrocyte
    Supporting glial cell of the CNS.
  3. Erythrocyte
    Anucleate, biconcave O₂ carrier (≈7.5 µm; ≈120-day lifespan).
  4. Platelet
    Anucleate megakaryocyte fragment for haemostasis.
  5. Neutrophil
    Multilobed phagocyte of acute inflammation.
  6. Macrophage
    Tissue phagocyte and antigen-presenting cell derived from monocytes or embryonic precursors.
  7. B lymphocyte
    Antibody-producing lineage (→ plasma cells).
  8. T lymphocyte
    Cell-mediated immunity (helper, cytotoxic, regulatory).
  9. Mast cell
    Granulated connective-tissue cell releasing histamine.
  10. Osteoblast
    Bone-forming cell.
  11. Osteocyte
    Mature bone cell in a lacuna, mechanosensor.
  12. Osteoclast
    Multinucleated bone-resorbing cell (monocyte lineage).
  13. Skeletal muscle fibre
    Multinucleated contractile syncytium.
  14. Keratinocyte
    Main cell of the epidermis; makes keratin.
  15. Melanocyte
    Neural-crest-derived pigment cell.
  16. Spermatozoon
    Male gamete with a flagellum.
  17. Oocyte
    Female gamete; the largest human cell.
  18. Fibroblast
    Matrix-producing connective-tissue cell.
  19. Adipocyte
    Fat-storing cell.
  20. Chondrocyte
    Cartilage cell in a lacuna.
  21. Goblet cell
    Unicellular mucous gland.
  22. Mesenchymal cell
    Embryonic connective-tissue progenitor.
  23. Stem cell
    Self-renewing, potent progenitor.

Function

  • Division of labour among cells allows the body to perform specialised functions efficiently.

Compiled from standard anatomy and physiology references — see the Cells & Tissues sources. For education only; not medical advice.