Substances can accumulate in the cytoplasm, nucleus Nucleus Within a eukaryotic cell, a membrane-limited body which contains chromosomes and one or more nucleoli (cell nucleolus). The nuclear membrane consists of a double unit-type membrane which is perforated by a number of pores; the outermost membrane is continuous with the endoplasmic reticulum. A cell may contain more than one nucleus. The Cell: Organelles, or organelles Organelles A cell is a complex unit that performs several complex functions. An organelle is a specialized subunit within a cell that fulfills a specific role or function. Organelles are enclosed within their own lipid bilayers or are unbound by membranes. The Cell: Organelles as a result of an intrinsic cellular dysfunction or metabolic abnormalities. Commonly seen substances are pigments, calcium Calcium A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes. Electrolytes, iron Iron A metallic element with atomic symbol fe, atomic number 26, and atomic weight 55. 85. It is an essential constituent of hemoglobins; cytochromes; and iron-binding proteins. It plays a role in cellular redox reactions and in the transport of oxygen. Trace Elements, fat, cholesterol Cholesterol The principal sterol of all higher animals, distributed in body tissues, especially the brain and spinal cord, and in animal fats and oils. Cholesterol Metabolism, and glycogen. These substances are produced by the cell and can increase in amount when there is inadequate removal of the substance or failure of metabolite degradation. Defective protein folding Protein folding Processes involved in the formation of tertiary protein structure. Proteins and Peptides, packaging, and transport, both genetic and acquired, also produce substance accumulation. In some instances, deposition is from an external source, such as coal dust. The cell does not have an inherent mechanism of elimination Elimination The initial damage and destruction of tumor cells by innate and adaptive immunity. Completion of the phase means no cancer growth. Cancer Immunotherapy, so material builds up in the exposed site.
Last updated: 17 Mar, 2021
Pigments coming from outside the body:
Histopathology of pulmonary anthracosis, showing interstitial black material
Image: “Histopathology of pulmonary anthracosis” by Mikael Häggström, M.D. License: CC0 1.0Section of a lung showing changes consistent with chronic exposure Exposure ABCDE Assessment to coal dust (anthracosis): Areas appear black due to the build-up of coal-dust particles.
Image: “Black Lung in Appalachia” by US National Library of Medicine. License: Public DomainEndogenous pigments are synthesized within the body.
Lipofuscin Lipofuscin A naturally occurring lipid pigment with histochemical characteristics similar to ceroid. It accumulates in various normal tissues and apparently increases in quantity with age. Macular Degeneration or lipochrome:
Lipofuscin Lipofuscin A naturally occurring lipid pigment with histochemical characteristics similar to ceroid. It accumulates in various normal tissues and apparently increases in quantity with age. Macular Degeneration (arrows) in the cardiac Cardiac Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return (TAPVR) muscle
Image: “Myocardial lipofuscin Lipofuscin A naturally occurring lipid pigment with histochemical characteristics similar to ceroid. It accumulates in various normal tissues and apparently increases in quantity with age. Macular Degeneration” by Mikael Häggström, M.D. License: CC0 1.0Hemosiderosis ( iron Iron A metallic element with atomic symbol fe, atomic number 26, and atomic weight 55. 85. It is an essential constituent of hemoglobins; cytochromes; and iron-binding proteins. It plays a role in cellular redox reactions and in the transport of oxygen. Trace Elements):
Hemochromatosis Hemochromatosis A disorder of iron metabolism characterized by a triad of hemosiderosis; liver cirrhosis; and diabetes mellitus. It is caused by massive iron deposits in parenchymal cells that may develop after a prolonged increase of iron absorption. Hereditary Hemochromatosis ( iron Iron A metallic element with atomic symbol fe, atomic number 26, and atomic weight 55. 85. It is an essential constituent of hemoglobins; cytochromes; and iron-binding proteins. It plays a role in cellular redox reactions and in the transport of oxygen. Trace Elements):
Brownish deposits from hemosiderin Hemosiderin Heme Metabolism in the kidney
Image: “ Hemosiderin Hemosiderin Heme Metabolism” by National Institutes of Health. License: Public DomainHistopathology of a liver Liver The liver is the largest gland in the human body. The liver is found in the superior right quadrant of the abdomen and weighs approximately 1.5 kilograms. Its main functions are detoxification, metabolism, nutrient storage (e.g., iron and vitamins), synthesis of coagulation factors, formation of bile, filtration, and storage of blood. Liver: Anatomy with homozygous genetic hemochromatosis Hemochromatosis A disorder of iron metabolism characterized by a triad of hemosiderosis; liver cirrhosis; and diabetes mellitus. It is caused by massive iron deposits in parenchymal cells that may develop after a prolonged increase of iron absorption. Hereditary Hemochromatosis. The blue coloration of iron Iron A metallic element with atomic symbol fe, atomic number 26, and atomic weight 55. 85. It is an essential constituent of hemoglobins; cytochromes; and iron-binding proteins. It plays a role in cellular redox reactions and in the transport of oxygen. Trace Elements is seen after its histochemical reaction with Prussian blue dye.
Image: “ Hemochromatosis Hemochromatosis A disorder of iron metabolism characterized by a triad of hemosiderosis; liver cirrhosis; and diabetes mellitus. It is caused by massive iron deposits in parenchymal cells that may develop after a prolonged increase of iron absorption. Hereditary Hemochromatosis acini” by BioMed Central Dermatology, Mathew, J. et al AL Amyloidosis. License: CC BY 3.0Bilirubin Bilirubin A bile pigment that is a degradation product of heme. Heme Metabolism:
Scleral icterus Icterus A clinical manifestation of hyperbilirubinemia, characterized by the yellowish staining of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera. Clinical jaundice usually is a sign of liver dysfunction. Jaundice: the first clinical sign of bilirubin Bilirubin A bile pigment that is a degradation product of heme. Heme Metabolism deposition in the body
Image: “ Jaundice Jaundice Jaundice is the abnormal yellowing of the skin and/or sclera caused by the accumulation of bilirubin. Hyperbilirubinemia is caused by either an increase in bilirubin production or a decrease in the hepatic uptake, conjugation, or excretion of bilirubin. Jaundice eye new” by CDC/Dr. Thomas F. Sellers/Emory University. License: Public DomainMelanin Melanin Insoluble polymers of tyrosine derivatives found in and causing darkness in skin (skin pigmentation), hair, and feathers providing protection against sunburn induced by sunlight. Carotenes contribute yellow and red coloration. Seborrheic Keratosis:
Image shows a nevus Nevus Nevi (singular nevus), also known as “moles,” are benign neoplasms of the skin. Nevus is a non-specific medical term because it encompasses both congenital and acquired lesions, hyper- and hypopigmented lesions, and raised or flat lesions. Nevus/Nevi, a benign Benign Fibroadenoma, uniformly pigmented brown papule Papule Elevated lesion < 1 cm in diameter Generalized and Localized Rashes with dark color due to high concentration of melanin Melanin Insoluble polymers of tyrosine derivatives found in and causing darkness in skin (skin pigmentation), hair, and feathers providing protection against sunburn induced by sunlight. Carotenes contribute yellow and red coloration. Seborrheic Keratosis
Image: “ Nevus Nevus Nevi (singular nevus), also known as “moles,” are benign neoplasms of the skin. Nevus is a non-specific medical term because it encompasses both congenital and acquired lesions, hyper- and hypopigmented lesions, and raised or flat lesions. Nevus/Nevi NCI” by National Cancer Institute. License: Public DomainMicrograph of epidermis Epidermis The external, nonvascular layer of the skin. It is made up, from within outward, of five layers of epithelium: (1) basal layer (stratum basale epidermidis); (2) spinous layer (stratum spinosum epidermidis); (3) granular layer (stratum granulosum epidermidis); (4) clear layer (stratum lucidum epidermidis); and (5) horny layer (stratum corneum epidermidis). Skin: Structure and Functions showing the melanocytes Melanocytes Mammalian pigment cells that produce melanins, pigments found mainly in the epidermis, but also in the eyes and the hair, by a process called melanogenesis. Coloration can be altered by the number of melanocytes or the amount of pigment produced and stored in the organelles called melanosomes. The large non-mammalian melanin-containing cells are called melanophores. Skin: Structure and Functions, keratinocytes Keratinocytes Epidermal cells which synthesize keratin and undergo characteristic changes as they move upward from the basal layers of the epidermis to the cornified (horny) layer of the skin. Successive stages of differentiation of the keratinocytes forming the epidermal layers are basal cell, spinous or prickle cell, and the granular cell. Skin: Structure and Functions, and melanin Melanin Insoluble polymers of tyrosine derivatives found in and causing darkness in skin (skin pigmentation), hair, and feathers providing protection against sunburn induced by sunlight. Carotenes contribute yellow and red coloration. Seborrheic Keratosis
Image: “Micrograph of keratinocytes Keratinocytes Epidermal cells which synthesize keratin and undergo characteristic changes as they move upward from the basal layers of the epidermis to the cornified (horny) layer of the skin. Successive stages of differentiation of the keratinocytes forming the epidermal layers are basal cell, spinous or prickle cell, and the granular cell. Skin: Structure and Functions, basal cells and melanocytes Melanocytes Mammalian pigment cells that produce melanins, pigments found mainly in the epidermis, but also in the eyes and the hair, by a process called melanogenesis. Coloration can be altered by the number of melanocytes or the amount of pigment produced and stored in the organelles called melanosomes. The large non-mammalian melanin-containing cells are called melanophores. Skin: Structure and Functions in the epidermis Epidermis The external, nonvascular layer of the skin. It is made up, from within outward, of five layers of epithelium: (1) basal layer (stratum basale epidermidis); (2) spinous layer (stratum spinosum epidermidis); (3) granular layer (stratum granulosum epidermidis); (4) clear layer (stratum lucidum epidermidis); and (5) horny layer (stratum corneum epidermidis). Skin: Structure and Functions” by Setijanti H.B. et al AL Amyloidosis. License: CC BY 4.0Images of excised aortic valves:
First picture (left): tricuspid
aortic valve
Aortic valve
The valve between the left ventricle and the ascending aorta which prevents backflow into the left ventricle.
Heart: Anatomy
stenosis
Stenosis
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) (TAV-AS) illustrating calcifications (white-yellow deposits) with fused commissures.
Second picture:
congenital bicuspid aortic valve
Congenital bicuspid aortic valve
Congenital heart valve defects where the aortic valve has two instead of normal three cusps. It is often associated with aortic regurgitation and aortic insufficiency.
Aortic Stenosis
stenosis
Stenosis
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) (CBAV-AS) with 2 calcified cusps with
raphe
Raphe
Testicles: Anatomy (black arrow) and severe
fibrous
Fibrous
Fibrocystic Change thickening.
Third picture (right):
congenital bicuspid aortic valve
Congenital bicuspid aortic valve
Congenital heart valve defects where the aortic valve has two instead of normal three cusps. It is often associated with aortic regurgitation and aortic insufficiency.
Aortic Stenosis
regurgitation
Regurgitation
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) (CBAV-
AR
AR
Aortic regurgitation (AR) is a cardiac condition characterized by the backflow of blood from the aorta to the left ventricle during diastole. Aortic regurgitation is associated with an abnormal aortic valve and/or aortic root stemming from multiple causes, commonly rheumatic heart disease as well as congenital and degenerative valvular disorders.
Aortic Regurgitation); R (right coronary cusp) and L (left coronary cusp) are fused, with coaptation sites thicker than the other portions (white arrow).
Histopathology illustrates psammoma bodies (green arrows) in meningioma Meningioma Meningiomas are slow-growing tumors that arise from the meninges of the brain and spinal cord. The vast majority are benign. These tumors commonly occur in individuals with a history of high doses of skull radiation, head trauma, and neurofibromatosis 2. Meningioma
Image: “Histopathology Reveals Psammoma Bodies” by Department of Radiodiagnosis, Government Medical College, Nagpur Maharashtra, India. License: CC BY 2.5Photomicrograph of bone Bone Bone is a compact type of hardened connective tissue composed of bone cells, membranes, an extracellular mineralized matrix, and central bone marrow. The 2 primary types of bone are compact and spongy. Bones: Structure and Types biopsy Biopsy Removal and pathologic examination of specimens from the living body. Ewing Sarcoma ( multiple myeloma Multiple myeloma Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant condition of plasma cells (activated B lymphocytes) primarily seen in the elderly. Monoclonal proliferation of plasma cells results in cytokine-driven osteoclastic activity and excessive secretion of IgG antibodies. Multiple Myeloma): sheet of plasma Plasma The residual portion of blood that is left after removal of blood cells by centrifugation without prior blood coagulation. Transfusion Products cells with a prominent large Russell body ( homogeneous Homogeneous Imaging of the Spleen eosinophilic inclusion)
Image: “Russell body” by Department of Pathology, Dr, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India. License: CC BY 2.0Photomicrographs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy Encephalopathy Hyper-IgM Syndrome that show tau-immunostained section of the frontal Frontal The bone that forms the frontal aspect of the skull. Its flat part forms the forehead, articulating inferiorly with the nasal bone and the cheek bone on each side of the face. Skull: Anatomy cortex with neurofibrillary tangles Neurofibrillary Tangles Abnormal structures located in various parts of the brain and composed of dense arrays of paired helical filaments (neurofilaments and microtubules). These double helical stacks of transverse subunits are twisted into left-handed ribbon-like filaments that likely incorporate the following proteins: (1) the intermediate filaments: medium- and high-molecular-weight neurofilaments; (2) the microtubule-associated proteins map-2 and tau; (3) actin; and (4) ubiquitins. As one of the hallmarks of alzheimer disease, the neurofibrillary tangles eventually occupy the whole of the cytoplasm in certain classes of cell in the neocortex, hippocampus, brain stem, and diencephalon. The number of these tangles, as seen in post mortem histology, correlates with the degree of dementia during life. Some studies suggest that tangle antigens leak into the systemic circulation both in the course of normal aging and in cases of alzheimer disease. Alzheimer Disease and neuritic threads (A and B). Higher magnification (C and D) shows band- and flame-shaped neurofibrillary tangles Neurofibrillary Tangles Abnormal structures located in various parts of the brain and composed of dense arrays of paired helical filaments (neurofilaments and microtubules). These double helical stacks of transverse subunits are twisted into left-handed ribbon-like filaments that likely incorporate the following proteins: (1) the intermediate filaments: medium- and high-molecular-weight neurofilaments; (2) the microtubule-associated proteins map-2 and tau; (3) actin; and (4) ubiquitins. As one of the hallmarks of alzheimer disease, the neurofibrillary tangles eventually occupy the whole of the cytoplasm in certain classes of cell in the neocortex, hippocampus, brain stem, and diencephalon. The number of these tangles, as seen in post mortem histology, correlates with the degree of dementia during life. Some studies suggest that tangle antigens leak into the systemic circulation both in the course of normal aging and in cases of alzheimer disease. Alzheimer Disease.
Image: “ Index case Index case Basic Terms of Genetics of military CTE” by Departments of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA. License: CC BY 2.0Amyloid deposits in the kidney under hematoxylin and eosin stain:
A. Glomerular amyloid deposits in mesangial spaces (red arrow).
B. Interstitial
amyloidosis
Amyloidosis
Amyloidosis is a disease caused by abnormal extracellular tissue deposition of fibrils composed of various misfolded low-molecular-weight protein subunits. These proteins are frequently byproducts of other pathological processes (e.g., multiple myeloma).
Amyloidosis (red arrow).
C. Vascular
amyloidosis
Amyloidosis
Amyloidosis is a disease caused by abnormal extracellular tissue deposition of fibrils composed of various misfolded low-molecular-weight protein subunits. These proteins are frequently byproducts of other pathological processes (e.g., multiple myeloma).
Amyloidosis (red arrow).
D. Congo red stain of vascular amyloid deposits (red arrow).
Xanthelasma Xanthelasma Primary Biliary Cholangitis palpebrarum, a type of xanthoma, affecting the upper and lower eyelids Eyelids Each of the upper and lower folds of skin which cover the eye when closed. Blepharitis
Image: “ File: Xanthelasma Xanthelasma Primary Biliary Cholangitis” by Klaus D. Peter. License: CC BY 3.0Cross-section of a blood vessel showing an atherosclerotic plaque Atherosclerotic plaque Lesions formed within the walls of arteries. Atherosclerosis in its wall
Image: “ Atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis is a common form of arterial disease in which lipid deposition forms a plaque in the blood vessel walls. Atherosclerosis is an incurable disease, for which there are clearly defined risk factors that often can be reduced through a change in lifestyle and behavior of the patient. Atherosclerosis” by OpenStax College. License: CC BY 3.0
Liver
Liver
The liver is the largest gland in the human body. The liver is found in the superior right quadrant of the abdomen and weighs approximately 1.5 kilograms. Its main functions are detoxification, metabolism, nutrient storage (e.g., iron and vitamins), synthesis of coagulation factors, formation of bile, filtration, and storage of blood.
Liver: Anatomy
biopsy
Biopsy
Removal and pathologic examination of specimens from the living body.
Ewing Sarcoma:
(a) Periodic Acid-Schiff stain-positive for glycogen accumulation (rose-violet color)
(b) Glycogen abolishes after pretreatment with diastase.
Lymph Lymph The interstitial fluid that is in the lymphatic system. Secondary Lymphatic Organs node biopsy Biopsy Removal and pathologic examination of specimens from the living body. Ewing Sarcoma (hematoxylin and eosin stain): 2 follicles with hyaline-vascular changes (yellow arrow), regressed germinal centers (black arrows) surrounded by concentric layers of small lymphocytes Lymphocytes Lymphocytes are heterogeneous WBCs involved in immune response. Lymphocytes develop from the bone marrow, starting from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and progressing to common lymphoid progenitors (CLPs). B and T lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells arise from the lineage. Lymphocytes: Histology (white arrows)
Image: “Castleman’s Disease” by 1st Department of Internal Medicine and Diabetes Diabetes Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia and dysfunction of the regulation of glucose metabolism by insulin. Type 1 DM is diagnosed mostly in children and young adults as the result of autoimmune destruction of β cells in the pancreas and the resulting lack of insulin. Type 2 DM has a significant association with obesity and is characterized by insulin resistance. Diabetes Mellitus Center, Tzaneio General Hospital of Piraeus, 18536 Piraeus, Greece. License: CC BY 4.0