An ulcer is a type of injury where all of the cells that are normally found on the surface of a tissue are damaged or lost and the tissue below the surface is exposed. Common sites for ulcers include the skin, stomach, and oral cavity although they can develop anywhere in the body. Why causes …
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A syndrome is a medical term that describes a group of signs, symptoms, or characteristics commonly occurring together and linked to a specific condition or disease. Some syndromes are genetic (inherited from parents), while others result from environmental factors, infections, or a combination of different influences. Familial cancer syndromes are inherited syndromes that significantly increase …
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In pathology, the term undifferentiated is used to describe a malignant (cancerous) tumour made up of cells that look nothing like normal, healthy cells. The degree of differentiation is important because it is used to determine the tumour grade and all undifferentiated tumours are considered high grade. In contrast, well differentiated tumours are considered low grade. …
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Viral cytopathic effects are changes that take place in a cell after it has been infected by a virus. These changes can only be seen after the tissue is examined under a microscope. These changes can involve the shape and size of the cell. They can also involve a part of the cell called the …
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Urothelial cells, also known as transitional cells, line the urinary tract, which includes the bladder, ureters, urethra, and part of the kidney. These cells form a specialized barrier called the urothelium that prevents urine from penetrating the underlying tissues. They can also expand and contract based on the volume of urine present, which reflects their …
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Spongiosis is a term pathologists use to describe a specific change seen in the outer layer of your skin or the lining of your mouth. Normally, these areas are covered by specialized cells called squamous cells, which stick tightly together to form a protective barrier. Spongiosis occurs when these cells become separated or pushed apart …
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Pathologists use the term spongiotic to describe tissue (usually skin) where fluid has built up between specialized cells called squamous cells, causing them to appear separated or pushed apart. Normally, squamous cells stick tightly together, forming a strong barrier on your skin or the lining of your mouth. When fluid separates these cells, the affected area looks …
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Squamous cells are flat, thin cells that form protective surfaces on both the outside and inside of the body. Their shape resembles small plates or scales, allowing them to pack tightly together and create a strong barrier. This barrier protects the tissues underneath from injury, infection, and environmental exposure. These cells are part of a …
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Stroma is the supporting connective tissue found just beneath the surface of an organ. It forms the framework that helps hold the organ together and provides strength, structure, and support. Stroma contains several types of cells, including fibroblasts, long, thin cells often described as spindle-shaped. Stroma also contains blood vessels, which deliver oxygen and nutrients, …
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Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that starts from squamous cells, which are flat, thin cells found on the surface of the skin and lining many internal body parts, such as the mouth, throat, lungs, and cervix. It occurs when these squamous cells grow uncontrollably, forming a malignant (cancerous) tumor that can invade …
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