gross descriptions

parenchyma

generalized term that describes the functional tissue/cells forming an organ

Hyperplasia

increase in number of cells

Hypertrophy

increase in cell size

metaplasia

Mature cell type is replaced by a different mature cell type

hyperplastic

an increase in size due to increase in cell number. Can be due to physiologic or pathologic instances

hypertrophic

increase in organ size due to an increase in size of the cells

serosa

describes the outer surfaces of an organ

anthracosis

black pigmentation referring to lung tissue and occurs with inhalation of particulate material that is stored in the lungs. Appears as patchy or streaks of black discoloration

asymmetrical

not symmetrical

atrophic

showing signs of tissue degradation or breakdown

bivalve

to split a specimen exposing the inner contents like a clam (testicles, kidney, uteri)

bisect

describes how something is cut refers to cutting something into roughly two equal halves (biopsies)

bosselated

knobby covered in small rounded bumps like a raspberry

calculus

calcified material

congested

an accumulation of a (any) fluid resulting in distention or fullness. May indicate increased flow to the area or decreased output.

cystic

forming large open spaces filled with fluid (lesion)

chalky

resembling chalk in texture

circumferential

involving all surfaces of a circular structure like the bowel lumen. used most often when referring to bowel tumors and the growth pattern tumors within a lumen

circumscribed

a circular shape often bordered or contained by a capsule. used to describe circular or spherical structures

defect

fault

demarcated

defined with boundaries

diffuse

spread throughout not confined or localized

eccentric

off center within tissue or organ

ellipse

oval shaped

eroded

worn away

erythematous (erythema)

having red coloration typically referring to increased blood flow, inflammation

excoriated

scraped, abraded, or missing its top layers

excrescence

abnormal growths arising in tissue

exophytic

projects outward from the surface of an organ or tissue

exudative

a fluid, cells, or other solid substances (like proteins) that has seeped out of blood vessels and into surrounding tissues or onto body surfaces

fibrous

appears tough, dense, white or gray, and stringy

filiform

thread-like

firm

dense, rubbery, or resistant to pressure

fleshy

the tissue is solid, dense, and resembles normal muscle or organ tissue

focal

isolated or localized in a single specific location

friable

delicate, easily falls apart or crumbles

fungating

an outward growth pattern similar to a mushroom

homogenous

uniform appearance comprised of one or similar components

heterogenous

a varied appearance comprised of multiple components

hyperemic

refers to an excessive amount of blood in a part or area

ill-defined

no clear borders or irregular shape

ischemic changes

a tissue or organ is suffering from a lack of adequate blood flow

lobulated

tissue that has taken on a bumpy, lumpy, or segmented appearance

intact

complete/whole unit without being broken fragemnted or cut

irregular

a generalized term for "other than normal" used to describe abnormla things

linear

lesion or feature is straight, strip-like, or thread-like in appearance

loculated

the tissue or fluid is divided into multiple small, separate compartments or pockets rather than being free-flowing

macule

a flat non raised skin or mucosal lesion (less than 1cm in size)

patch

a flat non raised skin or mucosal lesion (greater than 1cm in size)

mottled

patchy or blotchy discoloration. describes post mortem changes or ischemic changes

mucinous

a tumor or tissue produces abundant mucin (a thick, jelly-like, sugar-protein fluid, the main component of mucus)

multicystic

mutiple cysts

multifaceted

multiple flat sides or faces

multifocal

occurring in more than one district spot or location within

mummified

a tissue sample is completely dried out, shriveled, and dark brown or black

necrotic

decaying dead tissue

ovoid

egg-shaped

papillary

shaped like tiny, finger-like or nipple-like projections.

papule

a small raised skin or mucosal lesion refers to lesions less than 1cm

nodule

a small raised skin or mucosal lesion refers to lesions greater than 1cm

patent

open or unobstructed lumen such as ducts vessels or bowel

Pendunculated

stalk or stem

hyperpigmented

darker than surroundings

hypopigmented

lighter than surroundings

plaque

a flat, raised patch or growth on a surface that is wider than it is thick

purulent

containing, consisting of, or forming pus

raised

slightly elevated

roughened

surface bumpy course or uneven

ruptured

burst, torn, broken open

scaly

flaky, rough, and covered in peeling layers of dead cells

septate

divided into separate chambers or sections by internal walls

serosal

relating to the serosa

sessile

flat and attached directly by the base, without a stalk.

sloughing

dead tissue is peeling, shedding, or separating away from the living tissue underneath

stellate

star-shaped, featuring a central point with lines or points radiating outward

smooth

even, level, and free from roughness, bumps, or ridges

stenotic

narrowed or constricted passage of a body opening; vessels, ducts, bowel, esophagus, larynx

submucosal

relating to submucosa

subserosal

related to subserosa

tortuous

twisted, winding, or full of sharp turns and bends

trabecular

a network of tiny beams, bars, or interlocking struts

variegated

streaked, spotted, or patched with different colors or textures

verrucoid

wart-like

Whorled

swirling, circular, or concentric pattern