myelin figure

my·e·lin fig·ure

a rolled-up or scroll-like arrangement of a lipid bilayer within a cell, superficially resembling the myelin sheath of nerves; myelin figures are observed with the electron microscope in the cytoplasm or as inclusion in mitochondria and autophagic vacuoles where they may represent artifacts of lipid fixation. Synonym(s): myelin body
A non-specific term for concentrically layered, fingerprint-like, osmiophilic material derived from membranes and organelles—e.g., endoplasmic reticulum, seen by electron microscopy
Dermatology Odland bodies, keratinosomes A structure seen by electron microscopy in the stratum spinosum and intercellular spaces
Function Unknown. Lamellar bodies may play a role in keratinisation and are increased in lamellar ichthyosis
Hematology See Ribosomal lamellar complexes
Metabolism Lamellar bodies correspond to concentrically laminated lipoprotein- phosphatide complexes with increased uptake of H2O, ceroid, seen in autophagic vacuoles of Fabry’s disease, granular cell tumours, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, spermatocytic seminoma
Pulmonary medicine Lamellar bodies correspond to layers of membrane-bound surfactant seen by electron microscopy or high-power light microscopy, which is increased in interstitial lung diseases (e.g., desquamative interstitial pneumonitis, usual interstitial pneumonitis and diffuse alveolar damage, pulmonary alveolar proteinosis) pulmonary toxicity (methotrexate, BCNU, bleomycin, cytoxan, busulfan), type II glycogen storage disease, mucopolysacchridosis—MPS type VI—Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome, cystic fibrosis, bronchoalveolar cell carcinoma, diffuse pleural mesothelioma, papillary adenomas