guidebook. - Fanconi Anemia Research Fund

Glossary
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Macrocyte: An abnormally large erythrocyte (red blood
cell). 2
Macrophage: A type of white blood cell that assists
in the body’s fight against bacteria and infection by
engulfing and destroying invading organisms. 2
Matched platelet transfusions: Transfusions from
a donor who has been HLA-matched to a particular
patient. 2
Medulloblastoma: A malignant brain tumor that begins
in the lower part of the brain and that can spread to the
spine or to other parts of the body. 4
Megakaryocyte: Large cell in the bone marrow from
which pieces break off to form platelets. 2
Menopause: The transition period in a woman’s life
when her ovaries stop producing eggs, her body produces
less estrogen and progesterone, and menstruation
becomes less frequent, eventually stopping altogether. 5
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC): Multipotent stem
cells that can differentiate into a variety of cell types,
such as bone cells, fat cells, and cartilage cells. MSC
are typically isolated from bone marrow.
Metacarpus: The part of the hand (metacarpal) or foot
(metatarsal) between the carpus and the phalanges that
contains five elongated bones when all the digits are
present.
Microcephaly: A condition of abnormal smallness of
the head. 1
Micrognathia: Abnormal smallness of one or both
jaws. 1
Micropenis: Smallness of the penis, especially to an
abnormal degree. 1