Intermediate
Technical
IVT
corpora amylacea
Pronunciation: KOR-por-ah am-ih-LAY-see-ah
Spherical, basophilic, PAS-positive structures found in normal aging brain and various neurological conditions.
Full Definition
Corpora amylacea are round, homogeneous structures composed of polyglucosans that accumulate in brain tissue. They are commonly found in the subpial and subependymal regions in normal aging, but can appear throughout the brain parenchyma in various pathological conditions. These structures are considered a nonspecific finding but may indicate cellular stress or metabolic dysfunction. They stain positively with PAS and are autofluorescent under UV light.
Usage
Usage note: Always use the plural form; singular is corpus amylaceum.
In Context
- "The biopsy showed numerous corpora amylacea in the subpial region, consistent with age-related changes." — Neuropathology report
- "PAS staining highlighted the corpora amylacea distributed throughout the white matter." — Histopathology description
Also known as
polyglucosan bodies
amylaceous bodies
Don't confuse with
amyloid plaques
Lafora bodies