Neurofibrillary tangle
Neurofibrillary Tangle
Neurofibrillary tangles (pronunciation: /ˌnʊəroʊˌfaɪbrɪˈlɛri ˈtæŋɡəl/) are abnormal aggregations of protein that build up inside nerve cells in the brain. They are a primary marker of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
Etymology
The term "neurofibrillary" is derived from "neuro" (relating to nerves or the nervous system) and "fibrillary" (relating to a small or minute fibre), while "tangle" refers to a confused mass or knot.
Definition
Neurofibrillary tangles are twisted fibres that build up inside the nerve cells or neurons of the brain. These tangles consist primarily of a protein called tau. In healthy neurons, tau proteins help in the maintenance of microtubules, which are essential for nutrient transport within neurons. However, in certain neurodegenerative diseases, tau proteins become abnormally modified, leading to the formation of neurofibrillary tangles.
Related Terms
- Alzheimer's disease: A progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions.
- Dementia: A group of thinking and social symptoms that interferes with daily functioning.
- Neurons: A nerve cell that is the basic building block of the nervous system.
- Tau protein: A protein that stabilizes microtubules in the brain and nervous system.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Neurofibrillary tangle
- Wikipedia's article - Neurofibrillary tangle
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