sclerosis
Summary
Sclerosis refers to abnormal hardening or thickening of tissue due to excessive fibrous connective tissue deposition, inflammation, or other pathological processes. It can affect various organs and is seen in conditions like multiple sclerosis (CNS), systemic sclerosis (connective tissue), and atherosclerosis (vascular).
Detail
Sclerosis is a pathological process characterized by abnormal hardening, thickening, or scarring of tissue through increased deposition of fibrous connective tissue, typically collagen. The mechanism involves chronic inflammation, tissue injury, or abnormal cellular responses leading to fibroblast activation and excessive extracellular matrix production. In multiple sclerosis, demyelination and gliosis occur in the CNS white matter, creating characteristic plaques. Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) involves widespread connective tissue fibrosis affecting skin, blood vessels, and internal organs due to autoimmune processes. Atherosclerosis represents vascular sclerosis with lipid plaque formation and arterial wall thickening. Other examples include glomerulosclerosis (kidney), hepatic sclerosis (liver cirrhosis), and pulmonary fibrosis. The sclerotic process is generally irreversible and can lead to organ dysfunction through loss of normal tissue architecture and function.
Sources
- Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease
- Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine
- Pathoma: Fundamentals of Pathology
- First Aid for the USMLE Step 1
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