Pathology

Meiosis is a biological term referring to the cell division process that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing gametes in sexually reproducing organisms. It involves two successive divisions (meiosis I and II) with unique stages and recombination, ensuring genetic variation. The word is used primarily in biology and genetics contexts, and it is pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable in most varieties.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer arising from pigment-producing melanocytes. It tends to be more aggressive than many other skin cancers but is highly treatable when detected early. The term combines the Greek melas (“dark”) with -oma (“tumor”).

Meningioma is a usually benign brain tumor arising from the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It grows slowly and may cause symptoms through pressure on adjacent brain tissue. Many cases are asymptomatic for years and discovered incidentally, but some present with headaches, seizures, or focal neurological signs depending on location.

Metaplasia is a medical term describing the transformation of one differentiated tissue type into another, often as an adaptive response to stress. It is used in pathology to explain altered cellular composition, which can be reversible or a precursor to dysplasia. The word is used principally in clinical, academic, and research contexts. It combines Greek roots to denote change in formation of tissue.

Metastases are secondary malignant growths that arise when cancer spreads from a primary site to distant organs or tissues. The term refers to multiple such secondary tumors. In medical contexts, it denotes advanced disease and is used to describe the process and locations of spread, rather than a single lesion.

Metastasis is the process by which cancer cells spread from a primary tumor to form new tumors in distant sites. It indicates progression of disease and is central to staging and prognosis. The term combines Greek roots referring to change in place and displacement. In medical contexts, it is used to describe metastatic spread rather than localized cancer.

Mitosis is a fundamental stage of cell division in which the nucleus divides into two genetically identical nuclei, followed by cytoplasmic division. It ensures equal distribution of a cell’s genetic material into two daughter cells. The process is essential for growth, development, and tissue repair in multicellular organisms.

Monocytosis is a medical condition characterized by an elevated number of monocytes in the blood. It is often observed in certain infections, inflammatory conditions, and hematologic disorders. Clinically, it signals an immune response or hematopoietic activity and may warrant investigation for underlying causes or associated diseases.

Morphology is the branch of linguistics that studies the structure of words, including how roots, prefixes, and suffixes combine to form meaningful units. It also examines how words change form to express grammatical categories like tense, number, and case. In biology, morphology refers to the outward form and structure of organisms. The term originates from Greek roots and is used across linguistics and biology with distinct yet related meanings.

Mucin is a glycoprotein-rich component of mucus that lubricates and protects mucous membranes. As a noun in biology, it refers to the protein-rich substances secreted by goblet cells and glands, forming the gel-like matrix of mucus. It plays a critical role in hydration, immunity, and barrier function across respiratory, digestive, and reproductive tracts.

Mucinous describes a type of tissue or secretion rich in mucus, or resembling mucus in consistency. It is typically used in medical or scientific contexts to denote a mucous-like substance or characteristic. The term combines the idea of mucin (a protein that forms mucus) with -ous, indicating a property or quality.

Myeloma is a malignant tumor of plasma cells, often developing in bone marrow and can lead to bone damage and other systemic symptoms. It is a type of hematologic cancer that requires medical diagnosis and treatment. In medical contexts, the term is used for the disease itself and for related plasma-cell disorders.

Myocarditis is a medical term for inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium). It is a diagnostic label used in clinical contexts and can affect heart function. The word combines Greek roots for heart and inflammation, and is pronounced with a careful, multi-syllabic rhythm common in medical terminology.

Myopathy is a medical term for diseases that weaken or damage the muscles. It denotes a primary muscular disorder rather than nerve or nerve-to-muscle transmission problems. The word is used in clinical contexts and research to describe inherited or acquired muscle pathology and impaired muscle function.

Myositis is a medical term referring to inflammation of the muscles, causing weakness and pain. It is a formal, clinical noun used in medical discussion, textbooks, and diagnostic reports. The term combines Greek roots for muscle (myo-) with inflammation (itis), and is used across specialties such as rheumatology and neurology.

Necrobiosis is a medical term for the organized, accelerated death of cells or tissue, typically associated with a disease process. It denotes a localized, controlled tissue decay that occurs in certain pathologies, often involving immune-mediated or infectious factors. In context, it’s used in dermatology and pathology to describe areas where cells have died and been replaced by connective tissue or calcified material.

Necrosis refers to the premature death of cells or tissue in a part of the body, due to factors like injury, infection, or loss of blood supply. It describes a pathological process that can lead to inflammation, decay, and potential damage to surrounding tissues. The term is used in medical contexts to distinguish cell death from apoptosis and other forms of tissue loss.

Necrotizing refers to the process of causing tissue death (necrosis) or the progression of such tissue decay. In medicine, it describes conditions or infections that destroy tissue, often rapidly, and may require urgent treatment. The term combines the idea of necrosis with a present participle suffix, indicating ongoing or producing necrosis.

Neoplasia is the process of new, abnormal growth of tissue, typically forming a neoplasm or tumor. It encompasses both benign and malignant growths and is a core concept in oncology and pathology. The term implies uncontrolled cellular proliferation that deviates from normal tissue architecture.