blastema
Pronunciation: BLAS-teh-mah
Primitive tissue composed of undifferentiated cells that give rise to organs during embryonic development.
Full Definition
Blastema refers to a mass of undifferentiated cells found in embryonic development that have the potential to differentiate into various specialized cell types. In pediatric pathology, blastema is most commonly encountered in Wilms tumor (nephroblastoma), where it represents one of the three classic histological components alongside tubular and stromal elements. The presence and proportion of blastemal elements in pediatric tumors often influences staging, prognosis, and treatment protocols. Editors should note this term is specific to developmental biology and pediatric oncology contexts.
Usage
Usage note: Always lowercase unless beginning a sentence. Plural form is 'blastemata' in formal contexts.
In Context
- "The biopsy revealed a triphasic pattern with blastemal, epithelial, and stromal components consistent with Wilms tumor." — Pathology report
- "Anaplastic changes were noted within the blastemal elements of the nephroblastoma." — Histopathology findings