Plaques
Plaques
Plaques (/plaks/), derived from the French word plaque which means "plate", are abnormal clusters of protein fragments that build up between nerve cells. They are often associated with various diseases, most notably Alzheimer's disease and Multiple sclerosis.
Definition
Plaques are deposits of a protein fragment called Beta-amyloid (β-amyloid) that build-up in the spaces between nerve cells. They are believed to be a leading cause of the neural damage in Alzheimer's disease. In the context of multiple sclerosis, plaques refer to areas of damage or scarring (sclerosis) in the brain and spinal cord caused by demyelination.
Types of Plaques
There are several types of plaques, including:
- Senile plaques or neuritic plaques: These are found in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. They are composed of degenerating neuronal processes associated with extracellular deposits of beta-amyloid.
- Amyloid plaques: These are hard, insoluble accumulations of beta-amyloid peptides. They are a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.
- Demyelinating plaques: These are seen in multiple sclerosis, where the immune system attacks the myelin sheath, leading to the formation of plaques or lesions in the brain and spinal cord.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Plaques
- Wikipedia's article - Plaques
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