280 



PATHOLOGY OF NUTRITION. 



The function of the part is impaired by reason of the inter- 

 ference with the blood-supply and displacement of the proper 

 tissue-elements. The spleen is usually the earliest organ 

 involved, beginning in the Malpighian follicles, which become 

 large, pale and translucent; and resemble grains of sago hence 

 the term sago-spleen. 



The condition occurs most frequently in connection with 

 long-continued suppurative processes ; with syphilis and tuber- 

 culosis ; and not so frequently with other cachexias cancer, 

 leukaemia, dysentery, and malaria, and in a few instances with- 

 out any apparent cause. 



Colloid, mucoid, and hyaline degenerations are all closely 

 allied and but little understood. 



a. Colloid: The prototype of this variety is the colloid 

 material of the thyroid gland (Fig. 114), somewhat similar 



FIG. 114. 



Section of thyroid gland, showing colloid degeneration, a, colloid ; b, secreting 

 cells with granules ( after Pozzi). 



in appearance to mucus, but firmer. The change affects mainly 

 epithelial cells and is most often seen in cystic goitre and in 

 new growths e. g., colloid cancer giving rise to a gelatinous 

 appearance. In ovarian cysts the loculi are sometimes filled 

 with colloid masses. 



b. Mucoid : The physiological type of this change is found 



