Tubercle

Definition

A tubercle is a small, rounded nodule formed by the aggregation of immune cells, primarily macrophages, around a pathogen. It is commonly associated with the body's response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tubercles are characteristic lesions in tuberculosis infections.
2. They form as a result of the immune system's attempt to isolate and contain pathogens.
3. Macrophages, lymphocytes, and fibroblasts are key cells involved in tubercle formation.
4. Caseous necrosis often occurs at the center of a tubercle due to cell death.
5. The presence of tubercles can lead to tissue damage and scarring.

Review Questions

• What type of infection is most commonly associated with the formation of tubercles?
• Which immune cells are primarily involved in the formation of a tubercle?
• What pathological process often occurs at the center of a tubercle?

Related terms

Granuloma: A mass or nodule composed of chronically inflamed tissue with granulations, often seen in chronic infections.

Macrophage: A type of white blood cell that engulfs and digests cellular debris and pathogens.

Caseous Necrosis: A form of cell death characterized by a cheese-like appearance, commonly found at the center of tubercles.