ADIPOSE TISSUE. 



309 



(though only one-half as large in diameter); and between which 

 laminae, crystals of cholesterine are found in abundance. 



Fig. 195. 



Cholesteatoma of the brain, consisting of layers of epidermis-like cells, mostly with a parietal 

 nucleus. Cholesterine plates are disseminated among the layers of the cells. Magnified 350 diame- 

 ters. (Wedl.) 



Fatty Degeneration, or Stearosis. 



The phrase "fatty degeneration" suggests the idea that certain 

 parts or organs have been converted into fat, or into adipose tissue. 

 Neither of these ideas is, however, correct. An organ in a state of 

 fatty degeneration is one, some or all of whose structural elements 

 have been replaced by fat, in the form of globules or granules, and not 

 inclosed in fat-cells. (Fig. 40.) This subject has, therefore, no histo- 

 logical connection with the adipose tissue; but it is introduced here 

 to insure a correct understanding of it, as contrasted with the patho- 

 logical formations of adipose tissue. 



Fatty degeneration, or stearosis, most frequently occurs in the 

 following organs : 



1. In the bones, stearosis is usually inaptly termed osteomalacia, or 

 mollities ossium. 1 In this disease the osseous matter disappears, and 

 the interstices thus formed are filled with fat-globules ; and, on ma- 

 ceration, the bone seems to consist of a mere gauze-like tissue. The 

 lacunas also become enlarged, and the pores less distinct. 



Fig. 196 



Fig. 196. 



a. Lacuna and pores of bone in the normal state, b. Enlarged as in mollities ossium. (Dalrymple.) 



1 Mollities ossium may also result from other diseases ; e. g. from cancer of bone. 



