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, 14:23, 15 February 2011
==Introduction==
* Mucoid degeneration is also known as mucinous or myomatous degeneration.
* Mucoid degeneration involves changes in epithelial tissue or the extracellular matrix/ ground substance.
* An extracellular phenomenon of some specific cells.
** Tend to show a bluish tinge in H&E stained sections.
===Epithelium===
* The specific cells involved in mucoid degeneration in the eptihelium are:
** The goblet cells of wet mucous membranes.
** The mucous glands themselves.
* This is not really a degeneration, but an increased production of mucin.
** It is a beneficial reaction; the product
*** Is important as a lubricant.
*** Soothes inflamed surfaces.
*** Traps and dilutes harmful agents.
*** Carries specific antibodies against infectious agents.
*** Provides a means for removal of infectious agents.
===Connective tissue===
* Here, the mucin forms part of the ground substance between the fibroblasts that produce it.
* A disturbance in the metabolism of the fibroblasts under some circumstances,means the ground substance takes on a bluish hue in H&E sections.
* Mucoid degeneration in the heart valves of middle-aged and older dogs is a common example.
** Causes '''endocardiosis'''.
*** A condition specific to the dog.
===[[Endocardiosis]]===
[[Category:Degenerations and Infiltrations]]