The cytoplasm is the material that fills the inside of a cell, surrounding the nucleus and extending to the cell membrane. It is mostly water and contains proteins, nutrients, and tiny specialized structures called organelles — including mitochondria, which generate energy, and lysosomes, which break down waste. The cytoplasm gives a cell much of its …
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Red blood cells (RBCs) are the most common type of blood cell in the human body. They are sometimes called erythrocytes. Under the microscope, red blood cells look like small, round, disc-shaped cells with a pale center. Their main job is to carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and to …
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Adenomyosis is a noncancerous condition that happens when tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus (called the endometrium) grows into the muscle wall of the uterus (called the myometrium). This misplaced tissue can make the uterus larger and cause symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, painful periods, and pelvic discomfort. Adenomyosis is most …
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In pathology, the term endophytic describes an abnormal growth that extends down from the surface of the tissue into the organ or tissue below. This pattern of growth can usually only be seen when the tissue is examined under a microscope by a pathologist. Pathologists sometimes use the word ‘inverted’ to describe an endophytic pattern …
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Thyroglobulin is a protein made by the thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. It plays an important role in producing thyroid hormones, which help regulate metabolism, energy levels, and body temperature. What does thyroglobulin do? Thyroglobulin acts as a building block for thyroid hormones. Thyroglobulin stores and helps …
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PAX8 is a protein that helps control the activity of genes in certain types of cells. It acts as a transcription factor, meaning it turns genes on or off to guide how cells grow, develop, and function. PAX8 is especially important during early development and is involved in forming organs such as the thyroid gland, …
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Cytokeratin 5 (CK5) is a protein made by epithelial cells in the skin, breast, salivary glands, urinary tract, and upper aerodigestive tract. Within these organs, CK5 is commonly seen in specialized squamous cells, basal cells, and myoepithelial cells. This type of protein is also made by some benign (noncancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumours that start …
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What is a fundic gland polyp? A fundic gland polyp is a non-cancerous growth that develops from the cells lining the inside of the stomach. It is the most common type of polyp in the stomach. Where in the stomach do fundic gland polyps start? The stomach is divided into four parts: cardia, fundus, body, …
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What is a squamous papilloma? Squamous papilloma is a non-cancerous growth made up of specialized squamous cells that connect together to form finger-like projections called papilla. This type of growth can start in any location where squamous cells are normally found such as the skin, mouth, tonsils, larynx, esophagus, and eyelids. What causes a squamous …
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What is chronic cholecystitis? Chronic cholecystitis is prolonged, or long-standing, inflammation of the gallbladder. It is a very common condition that is more frequently seen in young and middle-aged women. What causes chronic cholecystitis? Chronic cholecystitis is typically caused by gallstones that get stuck in the cystic duct, which is a tube that connects the …
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