Cloudy swelling is a pathological condition that refers to the accumulation of excessive fluid in cells and tissues, causing them to appear swollen under the microscope. The term is pronounced /ˈklaʊdi ˈswɛlɪŋ/ and is spelled as such due to the English language's complex system of phonetics. The phonetic transcription helps explain the spelling's pronunciation, with "cloudy" being pronounced with its distinct /aʊ/ diphthong and "swelling" with its /ɛl/ consonant blend. Understanding phonetics is critical as it assists in accurately pronouncing and spelling medical terms.
Cloudy swelling, also known as hydropic degeneration, is a pathological condition characterized by the swelling of cells due to the accumulation of excess fluid within their cytoplasm. This swelling occurs in response to cellular injury or dysfunction, typically caused by certain diseases or toxic substances.
The term "cloudy" in cloudy swelling refers to the appearance of affected cells under microscopic examination. The accumulation of fluid causes the cells to appear swollen and cloudy, often obscuring the normal cell architecture. This swelling occurs predominantly in parenchymal cells, which are the functional cells of organs and tissues.
Cloudy swelling commonly occurs as a consequence of conditions such as viral infections, hypoxia (oxygen deprivation), and metabolic disorders. It can also result from exposure to various toxins, including drugs and chemicals. The accumulation of fluid within the cytoplasm disrupts the normal cellular functions, leading to impaired cellular metabolism and, in severe cases, damage to the cellular structure.
Medically, cloudy swelling is recognized as an early reversible change that can precede more severe forms of cellular injury, such as necrosis or cell death. If the underlying cause is addressed, the swelling can be reversed, and the affected cells may return to their normal state. However, if left untreated or if the underlying cause persists, cloudy swelling can progress to more severe forms of cellular injury, potentially leading to organ dysfunction and failure.
• Turbid swelling, albuminoid or parenchymatous degeneration; a degenerative change marked by a swelling of the cells, coarsening of the reticulum, and a clouding or granulation of the cytoplasm.
• See under cloudy.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "cloudy swelling" is a medical term used to describe a pathological condition in which certain tissues or organs exhibit swelling due to the accumulation of fluid within their cells. The etymology of this term can be understood by examining its individual components:
1. Cloudy: The word "cloudy" is derived from the Old English word "cludig", which means "covered over" or "obscured". It is related to the word "cloud", which refers to a visible mass of condensed water vapor in the atmosphere. context of "cloudy swelling", the term is used metaphorically to depict the opacity or hazy appearance of the affected tissues or cells.
2. Swelling: The word "swelling" comes from the Old English word "swellan", meaning "to swell". It refers to the abnormal enlargement or increase in size of a body part or tissue due to the accumulation of fluid or inflammation.