PARENCHYMATOUS DEGENERATION Meaning and
Definition
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Parenchymatous degeneration refers to the pathological condition characterized by the progressive damage or alteration of parenchymal cells, which are the working cells of an organ or tissue. It is a broad term used in medical science to describe the degenerative changes that occur within the parenchyma, leading to functional impairment of the affected organ or tissue.
Parenchymatous degeneration can affect various organs, including but not limited to the liver, kidneys, heart, and brain. It is often a result of cellular injury or insult, such as ischemia (lack of blood supply), toxins, infections, or metabolic disorders. The degenerative changes can manifest as cellular swelling, vacuolization (formation of fluid-filled spaces within cells), coagulative necrosis (cell death with preservation of tissue architecture), or fibrosis (excessive formation of connective tissue).
Clinically, parenchymatous degeneration may present with a range of symptoms depending on the organ affected. Common manifestations include organ dysfunction, such as hepatomegaly (enlarged liver) in liver parenchymal degeneration, renal insufficiency in kidney parenchymatous degeneration, or cardiomyopathy in heart parenchymal degeneration.
Diagnosis of parenchymatous degeneration involves a combination of clinical examination, imaging studies, laboratory tests, and histopathological examination of tissue samples. Treatment approaches aim to manage the underlying cause, alleviate symptoms, and prevent further damage to the parenchymal cells. This may involve medication, lifestyle modifications, or in some cases, surgical intervention.
In conclusion, parenchymatous degeneration is a pathological condition characterized by the progressive damage or alteration of parenchymal cells, leading to functional impairment of
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PARENCHYMATOUS DEGENERATION
Etymology of PARENCHYMATOUS DEGENERATION
The term "parenchymatous degeneration" has its etymology rooted in the combination of two primary components: "parenchyma" and "degeneration".
1. Parenchyma: The word "parenchyma" originated from the Greek words "para" meaning "beside" or "near" and "encheimḗ" meaning "to pour in". It referred to the term "parenchyma", which initially referred to the bulk or essential tissue of an organ, excluding any associated framework of connective tissue. Over time, the term has evolved, and in anatomy, it now generally pertains to the functional cells and tissues of an organ responsible for carrying out its specific activities.
2. Degeneration: The word "degeneration" derived from the Latin word "degeneratio" which meant "deterioration" or "falling away".
