How Do You Spell ASCHOFF BODIES?

1. Aschoff bodies are microscopic, pathologic structures commonly found in the heart during certain types of inflammatory cardiac diseases, such as rheumatic fever. These bodies are named after the German pathologist Ludwig Aschoff, who first described them in the early 20th century.

   Aschoff bodies are characterized by focal accumulations of immune cells, including lymphocytes, plasma cells, and macrophages, along with connective tissue. These structures are typically seen in the heart's myocardium (the muscular tissue of the heart wall) and endocardium (the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves). The immune cells within the Aschoff bodies are believed to be involved in the body's immune response, playing a role in the inflammation and destruction of heart tissues.

   Under the microscope, Aschoff bodies appear as nodules, ranging in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. They are often characterized by central areas of necrosis (tissue death) surrounded by bands of fibrous tissue. Alongside the immune cells, the bodies may contain fibrinoid material and small blood vessels.

   The presence of Aschoff bodies is considered a histological hallmark of rheumatic fever, a disease typically triggered by an untreated group A streptococcal infection. Rheumatic fever can lead to significant damage to the heart valves and other cardiac structures, potentially resulting in rheumatic heart disease.

   Overall, the identification of Aschoff bodies in cardiac tissue plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and understanding of certain inflammatory heart diseases, particularly rheumatic fever.

2. Rheumatic nodules in the myocardium.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for ASCHOFF BODIES

The term "Aschoff bodies" is named after the German pathologist Ludwig Aschoff. Ludwig Karl Martin Leonhard Aschoff (1866-1942) was a prominent figure in the field of pathology. He made significant contributions to the understanding of various diseases, particularly in the field of cardiology.

Aschoff first described these cellular structures in 1903, while studying rheumatic heart disease. Aschoff bodies are focal areas of inflammation found in the heart, specifically within the myocardium and the valves. They consist of inflammatory cells, including lymphocytes, plasma cells, and macrophages, surrounded by fibrous tissue.

Due to his extensive research and contribution to the field, these structures were named "Aschoff bodies" in his honor.