Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
reactive gliosis
Proliferation and hypertrophy of glial cells in response to CNS injury or disease.
Full Definition
Reactive gliosis is a non-specific response of the central nervous system to injury, characterized by the proliferation and morphological changes of astrocytes and microglia. Astrocytes become hypertrophic with increased GFAP expression, while microglia become activated and may proliferate. This response aims to contain damage and restore homeostasis but can also contribute to scar formation and impede neural regeneration in chronic conditions.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from neoplastic proliferation of glial cells.
In Context
- "Reactive gliosis was prominent in the perilesional white matter." — Stroke pathology report
- "Chronic reactive gliosis obscured the original cytoarchitecture of the cortex." — Trauma case study
Also known as
astrogliosis
glial reaction
Contrasted with
glial quiescence
Don't confuse with
neoplastic gliosis
subpial gliosis