General and Systemic Histopathology, C601&C602
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Look carefully at the
lung tissue for the little pink areas of caseous necrosis. These are the
areas of tubercular infection. They don't show a well developed granuloma
architecture, but you'll see the evolving features and should have no trouble
finding the giant cells. See this slide with the virtual microscope. |
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This section of lung is largely replaced with a single granuloma. Note the structure of the granuloma and the fact that it has a "caseous" center. There are numerous giant cells and the fibrous margin of the granuloma is only partially formed at this time. The caseous center of the granuloma is very characteristic of TB. The granuloma itself, and the giant cells, represent a general reaction to an agent the body cannot eliminate or destroy. |