Sebaceous glands are small glands found in the skin that produce sebum, an oily substance that helps keep the skin and hair soft, flexible, and protected. These glands are distributed throughout the body but are most numerous on the face, scalp, upper chest, and back. Sebaceous glands are connected to hair follicles, and the sebum …
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Basophils are a type of white blood cell (WBC) that play a role in the body’s immune response. They are similar in appearance to mast cells and are known for their large, dark-staining granules in the cytoplasm (body of the cell). Basophils are relatively rare, making up between 0.5% to 1.0% of circulating white blood …
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Antral type mucosa refers to the specialized tissue that lines the antrum, which is the lower part of the stomach just before it connects to the small intestine. Pathologists use this term in pathology reports to describe the normal lining found in this region. Because the stomach has different regions that perform slightly different functions, …
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Fibrinopurulent exudate is a type of fluid that accumulates at a site of tissue damage or inflammation, which contains a combination of fibrin, inflammatory cells such as neutrophils, and cellular debris. Fibrin is a protein that plays a role in blood clotting, and it can form a mesh-like network that helps to hold the exudate …
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Squamous epithelium is a thin layer of tissue made up of flat cells called squamous cells. These cells form a protective barrier on the surface of various organs and tissues throughout the body, helping to protect the underlying tissues from injury, infection, and irritation. Where is squamous epithelium found in the body? Squamous epithelium is …
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Squamous mucosa is a thin, protective lining made up of specialized cells called squamous cells. This lining covers the inner surfaces of several areas of your body, including your mouth, esophagus, vagina, cervix, and anal canal. It also lines parts of your respiratory system, such as your nasal cavity, throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx), windpipe …
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CD45 is a protein found on the surface of most cells in the immune system, including white blood cells (also called leukocytes). CD45 helps these immune cells communicate and respond appropriately to infections and inflammation. Why do pathologists test for CD45? Pathologists test for CD45 to help determine if cells seen in a tissue sample …
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In pathology, columnar mucosa refers to a tissue lined by tall, column-shaped cells with nuclei (the part of the cell that holds the genetic material) located toward the bottom of the cell. These cells are usually taller than they are wide and contain a substance called mucin. Where is columnar mucosa normally found in the …
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AE1/AE3 is a laboratory test used by pathologists to help identify the origin of a tumour. It works by detecting proteins called cytokeratins — structural proteins found inside epithelial cells, which line the surfaces of organs and glands throughout the body. AE1/AE3 is not a single protein — it is a combination of two antibodies, …
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In pathology, the phrase degenerative changes describes tissue that has started to physically break down, losing its normal structure and appearance when viewed under a microscope. These changes can affect how well a tissue or organ functions. Although degenerative changes themselves are not cancerous, they may sometimes be seen in tumours, particularly if the tumour …
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