neurofibrillary tangles

twisted strands of abnormal filaments within neurons that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The filaments form microscopically visible knots or tangles consisting of tau protein, which normally is associated with microtubules. If the structure of tau is rendered abnormal, the microtubule structure collapses, and the tau protein collects in neurofibrillary tangles.

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Psychology term of the day

November 18th 2024

hypoglossal nerve

the 12th cranial nerve, a motor nerve that originates in a nucleus on the floor of the fourth ventricle within the brain and innervates the muscles of the tongue, lower jaw, and areas of the neck and chest. Also called cranial nerve XII.