Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
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
Tubercles are characteristic lesions in tuberculosis infections.
They form as a result of the immune system's attempt to isolate and contain pathogens.
Macrophages, lymphocytes, and fibroblasts are key cells involved in tubercle formation.
Caseous necrosis often occurs at the center of a tubercle due to cell death.
The presence of tubercles can lead to tissue damage and scarring.
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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.