NEURITIC PLAQUE Meaning and
Definition
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A neuritic plaque refers to an abnormal accumulation of beta-amyloid proteins that develop in the brain as a characteristic feature of Alzheimer's disease. It is a defining pathological hallmark of this progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Neuritic plaques are typically composed of dense clusters of these beta-amyloid proteins, which are derived from the breakdown of a protein called amyloid precursor protein (APP). These protein fragments, known as beta-amyloid peptides, are known to be neurotoxic and can disrupt the communication between neurons, leading to the impairment of cognitive functions.
Neuritic plaques typically develop in certain regions of the brain, particularly in areas essential for memory formation and cognitive processing. They consist of a core of beta-amyloid proteins surrounded by degenerating nerve endings, known as neurites. The neurites contain abnormal accumulations of another protein called tau, forming another hallmark characteristic of Alzheimer's disease known as neurofibrillary tangles.
The presence and density of neuritic plaques are commonly used as criteria for the postmortem diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. They are typically identified and studied using specialized staining techniques, such as the silver staining method developed by Alois Alzheimer himself. Neuritic plaques are considered key indicators of the underlying neurodegenerative processes in Alzheimer's disease and provide important insights into its pathophysiology.
Common Misspellings for NEURITIC PLAQUE
- beuritic plaque
- meuritic plaque
- jeuritic plaque
- heuritic plaque
- nwuritic plaque
- nsuritic plaque
- nduritic plaque
- nruritic plaque
- n4uritic plaque
- n3uritic plaque
- neyritic plaque
- nehritic plaque
- nejritic plaque
- neiritic plaque
- ne8ritic plaque
- ne7ritic plaque
- neueitic plaque
- neuditic plaque
- neufitic plaque
- neutitic plaque
Etymology of NEURITIC PLAQUE
The word "neuritic plaque" has its etymology rooted in the Latin and Greek languages.
The term "neuritic" is derived from the Greek word "neuro", meaning "nerve", and the Latin suffix "-itis", indicating inflammation. Thus, "neuritic" refers to anything related to nerve inflammation.
The word "plaque" comes from the Latin word "placus", which means "flat plate". In medical terminology, "plaque" is used to describe abnormal accumulations or deposits of various substances.
When combined, "neuritic plaque" refers to the pathological buildup of abnormal proteins, particularly beta-amyloid and tau proteins, in the brains of individuals with neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease. These plaques consist of clusters of proteins that form insoluble deposits, leading to inflammation and damage to nerve cells.
