The word "hyperchromatic cell" refers to a cell with an abnormal high density of chromatin, the genetic material of a cell. Its IPA phonetic transcription is [haɪpərkroʊˈmætɪk sɛl]. The first part "hyper" means excessive, while "chromatic" refers to color, specifically the staining of chromatin for microscopic analysis. The pronunciation of this word is broken down as follows: "haɪpərkroʊ" for hyperchromatic, and "ˈmætɪk" for the ending "-matic", and "sɛl" for cell. This term is commonly used in pathological studies, particularly in cancer research.
A hyperchromatic cell is a term used in medical and biological sciences to describe a type of cell that exhibits increased staining intensity or excessive chromatic content when observed under a microscope. The term "hyperchromatic" is derived from the combining of the Greek words "hyper," meaning excessive, and "chroma," meaning color.
Typically, a hyperchromatic cell is characterized by its darker appearance and increased density of nuclear staining. This excessive staining of the nucleus is primarily due to alterations in the cell's genetic material, such as increased DNA content or abnormalities in the chromatin structure. Consequently, hyperchromatic cells often possess a more intense hue compared to their normal counterparts.
Hyperchromatic cells can be found in various biological contexts, including pathological conditions like cancer. In cancer cells, the abnormal DNA content and chromatin structure contribute to the increased staining intensity. The presence of hyperchromatic cells can aid in the identification and characterization of malignant cells during diagnostic procedures, such as cytology or histopathology.
Although hyperchromatic cells are commonly associated with pathological conditions, they may also occur in non-cancerous conditions such as inflammation or infection. In these cases, the hyperchromatism of the cells may be a result of cellular stress or physiological responses to the presence of foreign substances.
Overall, the term hyperchromatic cell serves as a descriptive label for cells that display abnormal or excessive staining characteristics, and it is often a significant indicator in the evaluation and diagnosis of various medical conditions, particularly cancers.
A cell resulting from asymmetrical mitosis which contains too many chromosomes.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "hyperchromatic" is derived from Greek roots. "Hyper" means "above" or "beyond", and "chroma" means "color". So, "hyperchromatic" literally translates to "above normal color".
The word "cell" in this context refers to a biological cell, which is the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.