ECL cell hyperplasia refers to an increase in the number of enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells within the stomach lining. ECL cells are neuroendocrine cells that play an important role in the regulation of acid production in the stomach. Where are ECL (enterochromaffin-like) cells normally found, and what do they do? ECL cells are normally found in …
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Intranuclear inclusions are abnormal collections of material found inside the nucleus of a cell. The nucleus is the control center of the cell where the genetic material (DNA) is stored. Under the microscope, intranuclear inclusions appear as small, round, compact areas within the nucleus that look different from the surrounding material because of their color, …
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Goblet cells are large, round, mucin-filled cells found in the body’s mucous membranes. They are responsible for producing mucus. This secretion is a protective lubricant coating the lining of various organs, including parts of your digestive and respiratory systems. Where are goblet cells normally found? Goblet cells are typically located in the linings of your …
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In pathology, rhabdoid describes tumour cells resembling immature muscle cells called rhabdomyoblasts. Although these cells resemble developing muscle cells, they are not actually muscle-related, and tumours with rhabdoid cells typically do not arise from muscle tissue. Instead, “rhabdoid” refers specifically to their appearance under a microscope. Tumours containing rhabdoid cells tend to behave aggressively and …
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Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are made. It is characterized by the rapid production of abnormal white blood cells (WBCs), which are not fully developed and do not function properly. These abnormal cells can accumulate in the blood and …
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In pathology, the word amorphous means “without a clear shape or structure.” When a pathologist uses this term in a report, it describes material seen under the microscope that appears shapeless, featureless, or disorganized — lacking the defined outlines and patterns of normal cells or tissue. Amorphous material is not a diagnosis on its own, …
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A collection of eosinophils inside tissue is called an eosinophilic abscess. Eosinophilic abscesses are often seen in areas of infection, especially infections caused by fungi or parasites. If the collection is large enough, it can form a sticky substance called pus. An eosinophilic microabscess is a small group of eosinophils inside tissue. Microabscesses can only …
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Neuroendocrine differentiation is a term pathologists use to describe cells that exhibit features of both nerve cells and hormone-producing cells. These cells are capable of producing, storing, and releasing hormones, much like cells in the nervous and endocrine systems. Neuroendocrine differentiation can be seen in both normal tissues and tumours. When seen in a tumour, …
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Macrophages are a type of white blood cell that plays a vital role in protecting the body from infection and in keeping tissues healthy. Their name comes from Greek words meaning “big eaters,” because they can surround, swallow, and digest harmful substances such as bacteria, viruses, and dead cells — a process called phagocytosis. Macrophages …
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Calcitonin is a hormone produced by specialized cells in the thyroid gland called C cells (also known as parafollicular cells). Its primary role in the body is to help regulate blood calcium levels — when calcium levels rise too high, calcitonin lowers them by slowing bone breakdown and reducing the release of calcium into the …
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