Trophocytes
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Trophocytes are cellular elements whose function is to nourish other elements such as nerve cells, muscle cells, and growing or dividing eggs. The term was proposed by Holmgren, who assumed a special symbiotic relationship between trophocytes and the elements they nourish.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
TROPHOCYTES (from Greek trophe-nutrition and kytos-cell), cellular elements whose function consists in nourishing other elements (nerve, muscle, growing and dividing egg cells, etc.). The term was proposed by Holmgren, who assumed a special symbiotic relationship between T. and the elements they nourish. Anatomically, this connection is accomplished by the penetration of T. processes into the protoplasm of the nourished cells, forming in it a network-trophospongium-which merges with the network of the Golgi apparatus (Oppenheim, M. Heidenhain, Cowdry, Holmgren). However, the specific nature of the Golgi apparatus was defended by a number of authors (Golgi, Miscli, Weigl, Collin et Lucien and others). In addition, there are known proofs not only against the existence of trophospongia, but also of the trophocytes themselves.
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Cite this page
“Trophocytes.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/trophocytes/