Acantholysis (Noun)
Meaning
A breakdown of a cell layer in the epidermis (as in pemphigus).
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- Acantholysis is a hallmark of pemphigus vulgaris, a chronic autoimmune skin disease characterized by blistering of the skin and mucous membranes.
- The histopathological examination revealed acantholysis in the epidermis, leading to the diagnosis of pemphigus foliaceus.
- Acantholysis is a process in which the intercellular connections between keratinocytes are disrupted, resulting in the separation of skin cells.
- The presence of acantholysis in the epidermal layer is a diagnostic feature of pemphigus, distinguishing it from other autoimmune disorders.
- Acantholysis is often accompanied by dyskeratosis, a feature of abnormal keratinization, in certain skin diseases such as Darier's disease.