Neuritic plaques
Neuritic Plaques
Neuritic plaques (pronunciation: nʊˈrɪtɪk plaks) are abnormal clusters of degenerating nerve terminals, proteins, and other cellular debris found in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia.
Etymology
The term "neuritic" is derived from the Greek word "neuron" meaning nerve, and "plaque" from the French word "plaques" meaning plate. The term refers to the plate-like clusters of degenerating nerve fibers found in the brain.
Description
Neuritic plaques are one of the characteristic structural abnormalities found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. They are composed of a central core of amyloid-beta protein surrounded by degenerating neuronal processes or neurites, hence the name. These plaques are often associated with an increase in reactive astrocytes and microglia in the surrounding tissue.
Related Terms
- Amyloid beta: A protein that forms the core of neuritic plaques.
- Neurofibrillary tangles: Another type of protein aggregate found in Alzheimer's disease, distinct from neuritic plaques.
- Astrocyte: A type of glial cell in the brain and spinal cord, which often reacts to the presence of neuritic plaques.
- Microglia: A type of glial cell that acts as the first and main form of active immune defense in the central nervous system.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Neuritic plaques
- Wikipedia's article - Neuritic plaques
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