Sclerosis
Sclerosis
Sclerosis (/sklɪˈroʊsɪs/; from Greek: σκλήρωσις sklērōsis, "hardening") is a term used in medicine to describe the hardening of a structure, usually caused by the overproduction of collagen or other fibrous tissue.
Etymology
The term "sclerosis" comes from the Greek word "sklērōsis," which means "hardening." It is derived from "sklēros," meaning "hard."
Definition
Sclerosis is a pathological state in which an organ or tissue becomes abnormally hard due to the replacement of normal tissue with connective tissue. This can occur in various diseases and conditions and can affect different parts of the body, including the nervous system, blood vessels, and skin.
Types of Sclerosis
There are several types of sclerosis, including:
- Multiple sclerosis: A chronic disease of the nervous system where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve cells.
- Systemic sclerosis (also known as scleroderma): A group of rare diseases that involve the hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues.
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): A type of motor neuron disease that causes the death of neurons controlling voluntary muscles.
Symptoms
Symptoms of sclerosis depend on the area of the body affected. They can range from localized hardening of the skin to severe disability in cases like multiple sclerosis where the central nervous system is affected.
Treatment
Treatment for sclerosis depends on the specific type and severity of the condition. It often involves managing symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. This can include medication, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Sclerosis
- Wikipedia's article - Sclerosis
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