key term - Granulomatous lesions

Definition

Granulomatous lesions are localized nodular inflammations formed by a collection of immune cells, primarily macrophages, which occur in response to chronic infection or inflammation. These lesions often form to contain pathogens that are difficult to eradicate.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Granulomatous lesions are commonly associated with chronic infections such as tuberculosis and fungal respiratory infections.
2. In the lungs, these lesions can lead to reduced lung function and respiratory symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath.
3. Histoplasmosis and Coccidioidomycosis are examples of respiratory mycoses that can cause granulomatous lesions.
4. Granulomas typically consist of activated macrophages, multinucleated giant cells, and a surrounding layer of lymphocytes.
5. The formation of granulomas is a defense mechanism aimed at isolating the infectious agent that the body cannot eliminate.

Review Questions

• What types of cells predominantly make up granulomatous lesions?
• Name two types of respiratory mycoses that can lead to the formation of granulomatous lesions.
• Why do granulomas form in response to certain infections?

Related terms

Macrophage: A type of white blood cell that engulfs and digests cellular debris, foreign substances, microbes, and cancer cells.

Histoplasmosis:

A fungal infection caused by inhaling spores of Histoplasma capsulatum, often leading to lung disease.

Coccidioidomycosis:

Also known as Valley Fever, it's a fungal infection caused by Coccidioides species affecting the lungs.