ASCHOFF BODY Meaning and
Definition
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Aschoff body refers to a microscopic anatomical structure found in certain tissues, mainly in the heart, specifically in the myocardium of individuals affected by rheumatic fever or systemic lupus erythematosus. It is named after the German pathologist Ludwig Aschoff, who first described it in the early 20th century.
An Aschoff body is characterized by its appearance as a small nodule or lesion within the myocardium. It is composed of a central area of fibrinoid material, which appears amorphous and pale, surrounded by a specialized type of immune cells known as histiocytes or macrophages. These immune cells are vital in the body's defense against infections and play a crucial role in the inflammatory response.
Aschoff bodies are typically observed during the acute phase of rheumatic fever, a systemic inflammatory disease that can result from inadequately treated streptococcal infections. They are thought to be a histopathological manifestation of the inflammation and immune response elicited by the bacteria in the heart tissue. The presence of these bodies in the myocardium may contribute to the characteristic damage seen in rheumatic heart disease, including scarring of heart valves and potential impairment of cardiac function.
In systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease, the formation of Aschoff bodies is less common but can still be observed in affected individuals. Their precise role and significance in relation to lupus-related cardiac complications are still being investigated.
In summary, an Aschoff body is a distinct microscopic structure composed of fibrinoid material and surrounded by immune cells, found primarily in the myocardium of individuals with rheumatic fever or systemic lupus erythematosus.
Common Misspellings for ASCHOFF BODY
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Etymology of ASCHOFF BODY
The term "Aschoff body" is named after Ludwig Aschoff, a German pathologist who first described these cellular structures in 1904. Ludwig Aschoff was renowned for his extensive work on cardiac pathology, particularly in relation to the inflammatory condition known as rheumatic fever. Aschoff bodies are one of the key histological features observed in the affected heart tissue of individuals with rheumatic fever. Due to his significant contributions to the field, this particular cellular structure was named after him.
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