CHROMATOLYSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Chromatolysis is a term used in the field of neurology and cell biology to describe a cellular process characterized by the disintegration or scattering of Nissl bodies (also known as Nissl substance) within the cytoplasm of nerve cells or neurons. Nissl bodies are specialized structures found in the cell bodies of neurons that contain granular endoplasmic reticulum, and their normal arrangement contributes to the characteristic staining pattern observed in histological sections known as Nissl staining.
Chromatolysis typically occurs as a result of various pathological conditions or injuries, such as nerve injury, ischemia, neurodegenerative diseases, or exposure to toxins. It is often observed as a response to a traumatic insult to the peripheral nervous system or central nervous system, which can cause the disruption or damage of axons or neuronal cell bodies.
During chromatolysis, the Nissl bodies become dispersed throughout the cytoplasm or may even disappear completely. This process is accompanied by changes in the size and shape of the affected neurons, as well as alterations in their overall function. The disintegration of Nissl bodies reflects a cellular response to injury aimed at repairing damaged neurons and re-establishing proper cellular functioning.
The observation and study of chromatolysis are important in neurology and neuropathology as it provides valuable insights into the pathophysiology of neurological disorders, nerve injury, and the regenerative capacity of neurons. Researchers and medical professionals use various microscopy techniques and staining methods to identify and study chromatolysis to better understand its underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions.
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1. Destruction of the chromatin, or at least loss of its affinity for the basic dyes, in cloudy swelling and other forms of cellular degeneration; caryolysis, nuclear solution, hypochromatosis. 2. Lysis of the body of a bacterial or other cell, leaving the empty cell membrane.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CHROMATOLYSIS
- chromatolysi3
- chromatolysic
- chromatolysiq
- chromatolysir
- chromatteolysis
- chromatwolysis
- c hromatolysis
- ch romatolysis
- chr omatolysis
- chro matolysis
- chrom atolysis
- chroma tolysis
- chromat olysis
- chromato lysis
- chromatol ysis
- chromatoly sis
- chromatolys is
- chromatolysi s
Etymology of CHROMATOLYSIS
The word "chromatolysis" is derived from two Greek roots: "chroma" meaning "color" or "chromatic", and "lysis" meaning "loosen" or "dissolve". Therefore, the etymology of "chromatolysis" refers to the dissolution or loosening of color, which relates to the loss or disintegration of pigment or coloration in biological tissues. In the context of biology, chromatolysis often refers to the breakage or damage of the chromophilic substance (stained structures) within nerve cells.
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