Foam cells
5560406
226117305
2008-07-16T22:02:43Z
Okiefromokla
5736838
Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/76.29.69.34|76.29.69.34]] to last version by 82.170.41.115 (using [[WP:HG|Huggle]])
'''Foam cells''' are [[Cell (biology)|cells]] in an [[atheroma]] derived from both [[macrophages]] and [[smooth muscle cell]]s which have accumulated low density lipoproteins,[[LDL]]s, by [[endocytosis]]. The LDL has crossed the [[endothelium|endothelial]] barrier and has been [[oxidation|oxidized]] by [[reactive oxygen species]] produced by the [[endothelial cell]]s. Foam cells can also be known as fatty like streaks and typically line the intima media of the vasculature.
Foam cells bare not dangerous as such, but can become a problem when they accumulate at a particular foci and help to create a necrotic centre, the plaque-centre of atherosclerosis. If the fibrous cap that prevents the necrotic centre from spilling into the lumen of a vessel ruptures, a thrombus can form which can lead to emboli occluding smaller vessels. The occlusion of small vessels results in ischemia, and contributes to stroke and myocardial infart, two of the leading causes of cardiovascular-related death.
==External links==
* {{MeshName|Foam+cells}}
{{circulatory-stub}}
{{cell-biology-stub}}
[[Category:Blood and immune system cells]]
[[Category:Cardiovascular system]]
[[de:Schaumzelle]]