hemocytes
/ˈhiːməˌsaɪts/
noun
- Cells that circulate in the blood or hemolymph of invertebrates (such as insects, crustaceans, and mollusks) and are involved in immune defense, clotting, and nutrient transport.
- Scientists studied how hemocytes respond to parasites in shrimp.
- When a crab is injured, its hemocytes quickly form clots to stop bleeding.
- In insects, hemocytes help fight off infections by engulfing bacteria.