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Neuro Pathology Glossary

100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026

glioblastoma multiforme

Professional Technical IVT

The most aggressive primary brain tumor (WHO Grade IV), characterized by rapid growth and poor prognosis.

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luxol fast blue

Intermediate Technical IVT

Histochemical stain that selectively demonstrates myelin in nervous tissue. Stains myelin blue-green and is often combin...

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medulloepithelioma

Advanced Technical IVT

A rare primitive neuroectodermal tumor characterized by neural tube-like rosettes and typically occurring in young child...

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medullomyoblastoma

Advanced Technical

Rare variant of medulloepithelioma containing striated muscle differentiation, classified as an embryonal tumor.

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meningioma

Intermediate Technical IVT

A typically benign tumor arising from the meninges (protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord).

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MGMT promoter methylation

Professional Technical IVT

Epigenetic silencing of the DNA repair gene MGMT, serving as a predictive biomarker for alkylating agent chemotherapy re...

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microglial nodule

Intermediate Technical IVT

Focal accumulation of activated microglia around sites of neuronal loss, indicating acute tissue injury or inflammation.

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microhemorrhage

Intermediate Technical IVT

Small focal bleeding in brain tissue, typically less than 2mm in diameter. Often associated with cerebral amyloid angiop...

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microvascular proliferation

Professional Technical IVT

Pathological increase in small blood vessels with endothelial hyperplasia, a defining feature of glioblastoma.

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molecular layer

Intermediate Technical IVT

The superficial layer of cerebral cortex containing few cell bodies but numerous dendrites and synapses.

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molecular neuropathology

Professional Technical IVT

Subspecialty integrating genetic and molecular analysis with traditional histopathology for brain tumor diagnosis.

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neuritic plaque

Intermediate Technical IVT

Extracellular amyloid-beta deposits surrounded by dystrophic neurites, a defining pathological feature of Alzheimer's di...

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neurofibrillary tangle

Intermediate Technical IVT

Intracellular aggregates of hyperphosphorylated tau protein found in neurons, characteristic of Alzheimer's disease.

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neurofibroma

Intermediate Technical IVT

A benign peripheral nerve tumor composed of Schwann cells, fibroblasts, and perineural cells, often associated with neur...

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neuronal tumor

Intermediate Technical IVT

Brain neoplasm composed predominantly of mature neuronal cells, often with mixed glial components.

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neuronophagia

Advanced Technical IVT

Phagocytosis of neurons by activated microglia or macrophages. Indicates ongoing neuronal death and tissue cleanup.

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neuropathological examination

Intermediate Formal IVT

Systematic microscopic and macroscopic evaluation of nervous system tissue to diagnose disease. Encompasses gross examin...

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neuropil

Professional Technical IVT

The dense network of neural processes (axons, dendrites) between cell bodies in brain tissue.

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neuropil islands

Advanced Technical IVT

Discrete areas of preserved neuropil surrounded by areas of tissue loss or gliosis. Characteristic finding in certain ne...

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neuropil thread

Advanced Technical IVT

Abnormal tau-immunoreactive processes in the neuropil, representing a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease and r...

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oligodendroglioma

Intermediate Technical IVT

A brain tumor arising from oligodendrocytes, characterized by 'fried egg' cellular appearance and calcifications.

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pachymeninges

Intermediate Technical IVT

The thick outer membrane covering the brain and spinal cord, consisting of the dura mater.

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paraganglioma

Intermediate Technical IVT

A neuroendocrine tumor arising from paraganglia, characterized by nesting pattern and chromaffin reaction.

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perikaryal swelling

Intermediate Technical IVT

Enlargement of neuronal cell body cytoplasm, often indicating cellular stress or acute injury. May be accompanied by chr...

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perineuronal net

Advanced Technical IVT

Specialized extracellular matrix structure that surrounds certain neurons, particularly involved in synaptic plasticity...

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Showing 49–72 of 100

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