Osteoblasts are specialized cells responsible for making new bone. Their main role is to produce and organize the materials needed to build the hard, mineralized structure of bone. Osteoblasts work by first creating a soft framework called osteoid, which is then hardened by the addition of minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. Osteoblasts are essential …
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Heterotopic ossification is a condition where bone forms in soft tissues where bone is not normally found. The word “heterotopic” means “in an abnormal place,” and “ossification” refers to the process of forming bone. In this condition, the body mistakenly creates bone tissue in areas such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, or skin, usually in response …
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The oropharynx is the part of the throat located just behind the oral cavity (the mouth). It is part of the pharynx, which is the muscular tube that connects the mouth and nose to the esophagus and airway. The oropharynx plays a role in both breathing and swallowing, as it is a shared passage for …
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Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a category of lung cancer that includes several different types of cancer that start in the lungs. It is called “non-small cell” because the cancer cells are larger and look more mature under the microscope compared to those in another category called small cell lung cancer. The non-small cell …
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Mucinous adenocarcinoma is a type of lung cancer and one of the main subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer. This tumour gets its name because the cancer cells produce large amounts of a sticky fluid called mucin. Mucinous adenocarcinoma typically develops in the outer parts of the lungs, and it can sometimes affect multiple areas …
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Pneumocytes are specialized cells found in the lungs. They line tiny air sacs called alveoli. Alveoli are important because they help transfer oxygen from the air you breathe into your blood. They also help remove carbon dioxide from your blood so you can breathe it out. Types of pneumocytes There are two types of pneumocytes, …
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AMACR (alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase) is a protein found inside certain cells that helps the body break down specific types of fats. In pathology, AMACR is important because cancer cells in the prostate and several other organs tend to produce much larger amounts of this protein than normal, healthy cells do. Pathologists use an AMACR test to …
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Racemase, also known as alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) or P504S, is a protein produced by certain types of cells in the body. Pathologists use special tests to look for racemase in tissue samples because its presence or absence can help them make a diagnosis, particularly when examining conditions affecting the prostate gland. Although racemase is naturally …
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Polyomavirus nephropathy (PVN) is a condition that affects kidney transplant patients. It happens when a common virus called BK virus becomes active and causes inflammation and injury to the transplanted kidney. If untreated, PVN can damage the kidney and affect its function. A kidney biopsy can help doctors diagnose and manage PVN early. What causes …
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Cytokeratin 34betaE12 (CK34βE12) is a special protein that belongs to a family of proteins called cytokeratins. Cytokeratins form part of the supportive framework inside specific cells known as epithelial cells, which cover surfaces and line organs throughout the body. Specifically, CK34βE12 is a “high molecular weight” cytokeratin, meaning it is larger and helps maintain the …
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