Ferruginous body

Term: Ferruginous bodyDefinition: A microscopic structure formed in lung tissue when asbestos fibers or other inhaled particles are coated with proteins and iron.Phonetic Pronunciation: (fə-RŪ-jə-nəs BOD-ē)Origin: The term "ferruginous" derives from the Latin word "ferrum," meaning iron, reflecting the iron content in these bodies. The term "body" refers to the structure's appearance within lung tissue. This nomenclature highlights the biological process of encasing foreign particles with endogenous materials.Significance in Asbestos Context: Ferruginous bodies are significant in asbestos exposure cases because their presence in lung tissue can indicate inhalation of asbestos fibers. They serve as a marker for occupational or environmental exposure and are used in the diagnosis of asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis or mesothelioma.Example Sentence: The pathologist identified numerous ferruginous bodies in the lung tissue sample, confirming the patient's long-term exposure to asbestos.Related Terms: Asbestosis, Mesothelioma, Asbestos fiber, Lung biopsy, Pulmonary pathologyNotes: - Ferruginous bodies are not exclusive to asbestos; they can form around other inhaled particles. - The presence of ferruginous bodies alone is not sufficient for a definitive diagnosis of asbestos-related diseases but is a strong indicator of exposure.