Dictionary > Vacuolization

Vacuolization

Definition
noun, plural: vacuolizations
The formation into, or multiplication of, vacuoles; being filled with vacuoles
Supplement
Vacuolization refers to the state or the process of forming vacuoles. The vacuoles may form inside or adjacent to the cells.1 There are many instances in which vacuoles form. One of which is the neurodegenerative diseases in humans and animals caused by prions. One of the histological features of prion diseases (e.g. Creutzfeldt-Jakob syndrome, Gerstmann-Straussler syndrome, kuru, scrapie, fatal familial insomnia, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, transmissible mink encephalopathy, etc.) is vacuolization in the gray matter. Another is the adult-type rhabdomyoma. It is a benign tumor of striated muscle usually in the head and neck region in the adult-type. The pathologic feature presents a solitary, well-demarcated, submucosal nodule. Histologically, cytoplasmic vacuolization occurs often producing a clear cell appearance or a spider cell formation.2
Word origin: French vacuole, from Latin vacuus (empty) + Latin –ātiōn (state, condition, or process)
Variant(s):

  • vacuolisation

Also called:

  • vacuolation
  • See also:

    • vacuole
    • Canavan disease
    • Prion diseases
    • Armanni-ebstein kidney
    • Transcription factor Sp4
    • Armanni-ebstein change

    Reference(s):

    1 Kumar, Vinay; Fausto, Nelso; Abbas, Abul (2004) Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease (7th ed.). Saunders.

    2 Hornick, J. (2013). Practical soft tissue pathology a diagnostic approach. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier/Saunders.


    You will also like...

    DNA - schematic
    Genetic Mutations

    This tutorial looks at the mutation at the gene level and the harm it may bring. Learn about single nucleotide polymorph..

    Biological Viruses
    Biological Viruses

    Viruses possess both living and non-living characteristics. This unique feature distinguishes them from other organisms...

    Plant Water Regulation
    Plant Water Regulation

    Plants need to regulate water in order to stay upright and structurally stable. Find out the different evolutionary adap..

    Buttress roots
    Roots

    This study guide tackles plant roots in greater detail. It delves into the development of plant roots, the root structur..

    Birth Control and Contraception
    Birth Control and Contraception

    Different pregnancy and birth control and contraception strategies are described. Read this tutorial to learn each of th..

    An artistic depiction of Dunkleosteus fish
    Fish

    The sea was teeming with life. Eventually, through reproduction and continued variation, fish came about. There are over..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics