NEUROFIBRILLARY TANGLE Meaning and
Definition
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A neurofibrillary tangle refers to an abnormal structure found in the brain that is primarily associated with neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease. It is characterized by an intricate entanglement of protein filaments called tau within nerve cells or neurons.
In a healthy brain, tau proteins play a crucial role in maintaining the stability and structure of neurons. However, in certain conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, an individual's tau proteins become hyperphosphorylated. This abnormal phosphorylation causes the tau proteins to undergo changes in their structure and function, leading to the formation of neurofibrillary tangles.
The accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles disrupts the normal functioning of neurons, impairing their ability to transmit signals and communicate effectively with other brain cells. This disruption ultimately contributes to the progressive degeneration and death of neurons, resulting in the cognitive decline and memory loss typically associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Neurofibrillary tangles are generally found in specific brain regions, such as the hippocampus, which is crucial for the formation and retrieval of memories. As the disease progresses, the tangles spread to other areas of the brain, further compromising cognitive function.
While neurofibrillary tangles are primarily observed in Alzheimer's disease, they can also be present in other neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and certain forms of dementia. The severity and distribution of neurofibrillary tangles can vary between individuals and are often used as pathological markers to diagnose and monitor the progression of neurodegenerative disorders.
Common Misspellings for NEUROFIBRILLARY TANGLE
- beurofibrillary tangle
- meurofibrillary tangle
- jeurofibrillary tangle
- heurofibrillary tangle
- nwurofibrillary tangle
- nsurofibrillary tangle
- ndurofibrillary tangle
- nrurofibrillary tangle
- n4urofibrillary tangle
- n3urofibrillary tangle
- neyrofibrillary tangle
- nehrofibrillary tangle
- nejrofibrillary tangle
- neirofibrillary tangle
- ne8rofibrillary tangle
- ne7rofibrillary tangle
- neueofibrillary tangle
- neudofibrillary tangle
- neufofibrillary tangle
- neutofibrillary tangle
Etymology of NEUROFIBRILLARY TANGLE
The term "neurofibrillary tangle" is composed of two main components: "neurofibrillary" and "tangle".
The word "neuro" derives from the Greek word "neuron", meaning "nerve". It primarily refers to the nervous system, particularly the brain and spinal cord.
"Fibrillary" originates from the Latin word "fibrilla", meaning "small fiber/thread". The addition of the suffix "-ary" denotes "related to" or "connected with". Therefore, "neurofibrillary" describes something related to small fibers in the nervous system.
Lastly, a "tangle" refers to something twisted or entangled. In the context of neurofibrillary tangles, it signifies an abnormal accumulation of twisted filaments within neurons.
Overall, the etymology of "neurofibrillary tangle" suggests an entangled accumulation of abnormal fibers within the nervous system.
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