Cell type definitions

Quick reference for various abbreviations used for identifying cell populations in the webportal

Classified as either white, brown or beige (brite). Primary lipid storing cells of tissues with brown and beige adipocytes producing heat through thermogenesis. Adipocytes are found around and within cardiovascular tissues.

B cells (also known as B lymphocytes) are a white blood cell. They are an important part of the adaptive immune system, with a key function of antibody production.

The primary contractile cell type of the heart.

Dendritic cells (DCs) are an immune cell type. A key function of DCs is antigen presentation to T cells to elicit an adaptive immune response.

Endocardial cells line the chambers of the heart. They are specialised endothelial cells.

Endothelial cells form the vasculature of the tissue. These include blood or vascular endothelial cells (BECs or VECs) or lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs).

Epicardial cells form the epicardium, the monolayer of mesothelial cells that line the outiside surface of the heart.

Fibroblasts are an interstitial cell type, having many important roles including the maintenance of the extracellular matrix in tissues.

Glial cells are non-neuronal cells of the central and peripheral nervous system that support neuronal function. Glial cells include Schwann cells (myelin-producing cells of the peripheral nervous system), oligodendrocytes (myelin-producing cells of the central nervous system), astrocytes, and microglia.