What term describes the condition in which endothelial cells overlap due to chronic edema?

What term describes the condition in which endothelial cells overlap due to chronic edema?

• A. Polymegathism
• B. Corneal scarring
• C. Corneal clouding
• D. Endothelial degeneration

Answer: (A)

The term that describes the condition in which endothelial cells overlap due to chronic edema is known as polymegathism. This phenomenon occurs when the normal hexagonal shape of endothelial cells is altered due to swelling and fluid accumulation in the cornea. In response to chronic edema, the endothelial cells may become pleomorphic, meaning they take on various shapes and sizes, leading to an overlapping arrangement. This condition can compromise the barrier function of the endothelium, impacting corneal transparency and overall vision. The other terms listed pertain to different aspects or consequences of corneal pathology. Corneal scarring refers to the formation of a scar on the cornea, which can occur due to injury or infection. Corneal clouding is a more general term indicating that the cornea becomes opaque and loses its clarity, which can stem from various causes, including edema but is not specific to the overlapping of endothelial cells. Endothelial degeneration refers to the deterioration of endothelial cell function and structure, which may include cell loss and changes in cell characteristics but does not specifically denote the overlapping condition produced by chronic edema. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why polymegathism is the correct term for the described condition.

The term that describes the condition in which endothelial cells overlap due to chronic edema is known as polymegathism. This phenomenon occurs when the normal hexagonal shape of endothelial cells is altered due to swelling and fluid accumulation in the cornea. In response to chronic edema, the endothelial cells may become pleomorphic, meaning they take on various shapes and sizes, leading to an overlapping arrangement. This condition can compromise the barrier function of the endothelium, impacting corneal transparency and overall vision.

The other terms listed pertain to different aspects or consequences of corneal pathology. Corneal scarring refers to the formation of a scar on the cornea, which can occur due to injury or infection. Corneal clouding is a more general term indicating that the cornea becomes opaque and loses its clarity, which can stem from various causes, including edema but is not specific to the overlapping of endothelial cells. Endothelial degeneration refers to the deterioration of endothelial cell function and structure, which may include cell loss and changes in cell characteristics but does not specifically denote the overlapping condition produced by chronic edema. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why polymegathism is the correct term for the described condition.