METACHROMATIC BODIES Meaning and
Definition
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Metachromatic bodies, also commonly referred to as metachromatic granules or inclusion bodies, are small, distinct structures that can be observed within certain types of cells when stained with certain histochemical dyes. These bodies exhibit a characteristic color change upon staining, appearing differently from the surrounding cellular components under a light microscope.
Typically, metachromatic bodies display a phenomenon known as metachromasia. This is a unique property observed when specific dyes, such as toluidine blue or crystal violet, bind to the structures, causing them to stain in contrasting color tones compared to the surrounding cell components. The metachromatic effect stems from the interaction between the dyes and the specialized macromolecules present within the bodies, resulting in a shift in the absorption and reflection spectrum of light.
Metachromatic bodies can appear in various cell types, including certain types of immune cells (such as granulocytes), epithelial cells, and certain neuronal cells. They are often associated with storage diseases or certain pathological conditions, where they accumulate due to impaired metabolic processes or cellular dysfunction.
Despite their distinct staining properties, the exact composition and function of metachromatic bodies can vary depending on the specific cell type and underlying condition. Further investigation and analysis are often required to determine their precise role and significance within cellular mechanisms, as these structures provide valuable insights into cellular health, pathological processes, and disease characterization.
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Certain granules or inclusions in bacterial cells which differ in staining properties from the surrounding protoplasm.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for METACHROMATIC BODIES
- metachromaticbodyes
- m etachromatic bodies
- me tachromatic bodies
- met achromatic bodies
- meta chromatic bodies
- metac hromatic bodies
- metach romatic bodies
- metachr omatic bodies
- metachro matic bodies
- metachrom atic bodies
- metachroma tic bodies
- metachromat ic bodies
- metachromati c bodies
- metachromatic b odies
- metachromatic bo dies
- metachromatic bod ies
- metachromatic bodi es
- metachromatic bodie s
Etymology of METACHROMATIC BODIES
The term "metachromatic bodies" is a scientific term, and it consists of two components: "meta-" and "chromatic".
1. "Meta-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "meta" (μετά), which means "beyond" or "transcending". It is often used to indicate a change or a transformation in its various applications.
2. "Chromatic" is derived from the Greek word "chroma" (χρώμα), which means "color". It is related to the field of chromatics, which studies the science of colors.
Therefore, "metachromatic" can be understood as "beyond color" or "transcending color".
The word "bodies" in this context refers to cellular structures or granules that are stained or exhibit color under certain staining techniques or conditions.
