Amyloid plaque
Amyloid Plaque
Amyloid Plaque (pronunciation: /ˈæmɪˌlɔɪd ˈplæk/) is a term used in neuroscience to describe the build-up of protein deposits in the brain, which are often associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
Etymology
The term "amyloid" comes from the Greek words "amylon" which means starch and "eidos" which means form or shape. This is due to the fact that amyloid plaques were initially mistaken for starch granules. The term "plaque" is derived from the French word "plaques" which means flat objects, referring to the flat, round shape of these deposits.
Definition
Amyloid plaques are abnormal clusters of chemically-sticky proteins called beta-amyloid, along with cellular material, that build up between nerve cells. They are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease and are believed to contribute to the degradation of the communication between neurons.
Related Terms
- Beta-amyloid: A protein fragment that is the main component of amyloid plaques.
- Neuron: A nerve cell that is the basic building block of the nervous system.
- Neurodegenerative diseases: Diseases characterized by the progressive loss of structure or function of neurons, including death of neurons.
- Alzheimer's disease: A progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Amyloid plaque
- Wikipedia's article - Amyloid plaque
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