Reticulin vs. collagen

There are some terms in pathology that are used interchangeably – but shouldn’t be. “Reticulin” and “collagen” are two of these terms. Reticulin fibers are the same thing as type III collagen. They are fine, delicate fibers made by fibroblasts. There are other types of collagen (types I, II, and IV are the main ones, but there are more) that have different appearances and are found in different places. Type I collagen is the main component of bone, type II is the main component of cartilage, and type IV is the main component of basement membranes.

 

 

Polycythemia vera

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a chronic myeloproliferative disorder in which the red cells are the predominant lineage. Here are some typical student questions along with my answers. (more…)

Welcome!

Hello to all pathology students everywhere – dental students, medical students, nursing and allied health students…and to anyone interested in pathology. My goal is to help you study pathology by providing useful tidbits of information, tips on how to remember things, and interesting asides. I hope you find this blog helpful!