GHOST CORPUSCLE Meaning and
Definition
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Ghost corpuscle is a term predominantly used in the field of medicine, more specifically in hematology and pathology. It refers to an unusual finding observed under microscopic examination of blood or tissue samples. A ghost corpuscle is essentially a remnant or trace of a red blood cell that has lost its typical cellular integrity and structure, appearing as a faint or translucent outline under staining.
When a red blood cell begins to deteriorate or undergo cell death through a process called apoptosis, it can become fragmented, leading to the formation of these ghost corpuscles. The loss of its normal biconcave shape and the subsequent disintegration of the cytoplasmic and nuclear components result in a pale, shadow-like appearance of the cell.
This phenomenon can occur in various medical conditions, such as disorders affecting the blood cells themselves (e.g., hemolytic anemia, sickle cell disease), as well as in diseases related to coagulation, inflammation, or in certain malignancies. Ghost corpuscles can also be observed during the storage of blood samples, particularly if the storage conditions are not optimal.
Although they do not possess any physiological function, ghost corpuscles provide valuable diagnostic information when identified in blood or tissue samples. Their presence may indicate ongoing cell death processes or diseases affecting the red blood cells. Consequently, pathologists and hematologists pay close attention to the presence of ghost corpuscles as they can offer insights into the underlying condition and contribute to accurate diagnoses.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GHOST CORPUSCLE
- ghost corpuscne
- ghost corpuscme
- ghost corpusclu
- ghost corpusclm
- ghost corpuscla
- ghost corpusclg
- ghoestcorpuscle
- ghostcoarpuscle
- ghostcorepuscle
- g host corpuscle
- gh ost corpuscle
- gho st corpuscle
- ghos t corpuscle
- ghost c orpuscle
- ghost co rpuscle
- ghost corpu scle
- ghost corpus cle
- ghost corpusc le
- ghost corpuscl e
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