spider cell
CYTOLOGY
Definition A popular term for a metaplastic squamous epithelial cell obtained by forceful scraping of the uterine cervix. .
Reference http://santoshpath.blogspot.com/ 2010/07/spider-cell-in-pap-smear.html
HEART PATHOLOGY
Definition A popular
name for a degenerating rhabdomyocyte, which is characteristic of rhabdomyomas. Here, the nucleus is centrally placed with eosinophilic septae which stain with ubiquitin, stretching from the cell membrane to the nucleus.
Comment The ubiquitin pathway facilitates myofilament degradation, intracytoplasmic glycogen vacuolisation, and the production of spider cells. Spider cells then undergo apoptosis, myxoid degeneration, and regression of the rhabdomyoma. Mitotic activity is absent and fibrosis and calcification are infrequent. On electron microscopy, the cytoplasm of the rhabdomyoma cells are filled with nonmembrane-bound glycogen and small mitochondria. Poorly developed T tubules and fragmented sarcomeres are also present. Cellular junctions that resemble intercalated discs surround the cell periphery
Reference emedicine.medscape.com/article/1612571-overview
Leave A Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.