Nephrocytes
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Nephrocytes are broadly defined cells capable of an excretory function, encompassing both external excretion and internal excretion or phagocytosis. In lower invertebrates, these dual functions are carried out by the same nephrophagocytic cells.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
NEPHROCYTES, a very indefinite term used to designate any cell capable of an excretory function. Comparative histological data make it possible to simultaneously bring together and distinguish external excretion (excretion to the outside) and internal excretion ("excretion inward," i.e., vacuolar accumulation of liquid products and phagocytosis). These two functions correspond to two different categories of nephrocytes; in lower invertebrates, both functions belong to the same nephrophagocyte cells.
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“Nephrocytes.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/nephrocytes/