Definition
The basic structural and functional unit of living things. In animals, cells are enclosed by a membrane within which is the cytoplasm that contains cellular organelles, including the nucleus.
Use in clinical context
Cells must function correctly to maintain the health of an individual. Both the function and the structure of each cell is determined by the DNA within the nucleus combined with the cell’s environment. Changes to the DNA of a cell can affect cellular structure and function.
Related terms
Cell membrane | Cytoplasm | Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) | Nucleus | Organelle
Discover more
Images
