myoepithelial
1
9.9
- adjective
- /ˌmaɪoʊˌɛpɪˈθiːliəl/
- Specialized
- The myoepithelial cells help contract the gland, pushing the secretions into the ducts.
- myoepithelial tumor
- myoepithelial differentiation
- myoepithelial cell
Examples
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The best way to identify myoepithelial cells is to use alpha-SMA or calponin, plus vimentin, because myoepithelial cells in tumors are hardly ever fully differentiated.
Academic text (2009) -
A final diagnosis of salivary gland myoepithelioma with focal capsular invasion was made, and the case was regarded as a myoepithelial tumor of uncertain malignant potential.
Academic text (2009) -
In our patient, immunohistochemical studies revealed myoepithelial differentiation.
Academic text (2009) -
In this case, the myoepithelial nature of the tumor was immunohistochemically demonstrated without difficulty.
Academic text (2009) -
Some of the differences may be related to regional variability in the immunohistochemical profile of normal myoepithelial cells.
Academic text (2009) -
Studies of proliferation markers in myoepithelial tumors are limited.
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Frequent distant metastasis is another feature that characterizes myoepithelial carcinomas.
Academic text (2009) -
Most tumor cells express myoepithelial differentiation on either immunohistochemistry or electron microscopy.
Academic text (2009) -
Most of the myoepithelial tumors of the salivary gland described in the literature are benign.
Academic text (2009) -
Myoepithelial tumors of the salivary gland are unusual; they account for less than 1% of all salivary gland tumors.
Academic text (2009)
Surface Forms
Morphology
myoepithelial = epithelial (semi-transparent) = myo + epithelial
Formed by the combining form 'myo-' added to the adjective 'epithelial'; both elements are technical, so the structure is regular but likely unfamiliar to average learners.
Etymology
Myoepithelial combines myo- 'muscle' and epithelial 'surface tissue', so it describes something that is both muscle-like and part of a surface layer. That's why myoepithelial often describes gland parts that help squeeze out their secretions.