Aschoff body

Aschoff Body (pronounced: ash-off body) is a term used in the field of Pathology to describe a specific type of histopathological lesion. It is named after the German pathologist Karl Albert Ludwig Aschoff, who first described these structures.

Etymology

The term "Aschoff Body" is derived from the name of its discoverer, Karl Albert Ludwig Aschoff, a renowned German pathologist. Aschoff made significant contributions to the field of Pathology, including the discovery of these specific lesions.

Definition

An Aschoff Body is a nodular inflammatory lesion, typically found in the heart tissue of individuals suffering from Rheumatic Fever. It is a characteristic feature of this disease and is composed of swollen histiocytes, lymphocytes, and occasionally plasma cells.

Related Terms

Rheumatic Fever: An inflammatory disease that can develop as a complication of inadequately treated streptococcus throat infection.
Histiocyte: A type of immune cell that engulfs foreign substances and cell debris.
Lymphocyte: A type of white blood cell that is part of the immune system.
Plasma Cell: A type of white blood cell that produces antibodies.
Pathology: The scientific study of the causes and effects of diseases.
Histopathology: The microscopic examination of tissue in order to study the manifestations of disease.