Pathology · Multiple Systems · Hard
Karyolysis
Meaning: Fading and dissolution of a cell nucleus as its DNA is broken down during cell death.
In practice: Karyolysis left ghostly cell outlines with no visible nuclei in the necrotic area.
Word parts
- -lysis means breaking down
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related pathology words.
Which word means: Malignant tumour arising from smooth muscle, such as that in the uterus or gut wall.
Answer: Leiomyosarcoma
Which word means: An abnormal increase in the number of cells in a tissue or organ.
Answer: Hyperplasia
Words like karyolysis come up in the daily game
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