degeneraatio

Degeneraatio, in a medical context, refers to a process in which cells or tissues lose their normal structure and function due to injury, aging, or metabolic disturbance. It is a broad, non-specific term used in pathology to describe sublethal or early changes that differ from cell death (necrosis) and from developmental abnormalities.

Common forms of degeneraatio include fatty degeneration (lipidosis), where fat accumulates within cells; hydropic degeneration, characterized by cell swelling from water influx; hyaline degeneration, involving protein deposition; and calcific or amyloid degeneration, with mineral or protein aggregates. Degenerative changes can affect diverse tissues, including liver, muscle, nerve, and connective tissue, and may be localized or systemic.

Mechanisms behind degeneraatio often involve energy failure, membrane dysfunction, oxidative stress, and accumulation of abnormal substances within cells. Some degenerative changes are reversible if the underlying cause is removed early; with prolonged or severe injury, they can progress toward irreversible damage or necrosis. Degeneration is also a feature of aging and chronic disease, where tissue function gradually declines.

Clinically, degeneraatio underpins many conditions described as degenerative diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders (for example, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases) and degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis). Histologically, pathologists distinguish degeneration from necrosis and dystrophy, noting that degeneration frequently denotes reversible, sublethal alterations, whereas necrosis reflects cell death and dystrophy implies developmental or structural poor formation.

The term degeneraatio derives from Latin roots meaning “to deteriorate,” and in Finnish medical usage mirrors the same concept of degenerative tissue changes.