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2 - Normal cell morphology – euplasia (cells in normal health and physiologic state)

Edited by
Prabodh Gupta  and
Zubair Baloch
Prabodh Gupta
Affiliation:
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Zubair Baloch
Affiliation:
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
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Summary

THE CELL AS A WHOLE

General features

The cell is an independently functioning, structural unit of an organism. It almost always contains a nucleus and cytoplasm; some cells (mature erythrocytes) do not have a recognizable nucleus. One or more than one type of cells when organized as part of a purposeful, working arrangement in the body form a tissue. Clonal derivation of the euplastic (healthy, normal, and physiologically responsive) cells and tissues imparts certain predictable morphologic and physiologic characteristics to the cells and tissues. These characteristics are diagnostically important. Familiarity and recognition of the cellular and tissue attributes is essential for proper evaluation and diagnosis of “normal” cells and tissues.

Cellular reactions to the body can be conveniently divided into the growth and the functional activities. These include: physiologically healthy or resting (euplastic), dying or dead or physiologically regressive (retroplastic), stimulated or reactive (proplastic), and stimulated with uncertain or autonomous growth (neoplastic) activities.

Cellular activity level is primarily reflected in nuclear morphology. An evaluation and familiarity with the various nuclear constituents evident in a well-prepared cellular specimen including nuclear envelope (membrane), chromatin, parachromatin distribution and clearing, and nucleoli are the most critical components of clinical cytopathology. Morphological changes in one or more of these nuclear components often mirror the underlying disease process.

Type
Chapter
Information
Cytohistology
Essential and Basic Concepts
 , pp. 7 - 65
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2000

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