View source for Foam cell

[[Image:Gallbladder cholesterolosis intermed mag cropped.jpg|right|thumb|250px|'''Foam cells''' in [[cholesterolosis of the gallbladder]]. [[H&E stain]].]]
'''Foam cells''' are [[Cell (biology)|cells]] in an [[atheroma]] derived from both [[macrophages]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://library.med.utah.edu/WebPath/ATHHTML/ATH019.html |title=Atherosclerosis |format= |work= |accessdate=}}</ref> and [[smooth muscle cell]]s<ref>{{MeshName|Foam+cells}}</ref> 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 [[tunica intima]] of the vasculature.

Foam cells are not dangerous as such, but can become a problem when they accumulate at particular foci thus creating a [[necrotic]] centre of the [[atherosclerosis]]. If the fibrous cap that prevents the necrotic centre from spilling into the [[lumen (anatomy)|lumen]] of a vessel ruptures, a [[thrombus]] can form which can lead to [[embolus|emboli]] occluding smaller vessels.  The occlusion of small vessels results in [[ischemia]], and contributes to [[stroke]] and [[myocardial infarction]], two of the leading causes of cardiovascular-related death.

==Additional images==
<gallery>
Image:Papillary renal cell carcinoma 1.jpg|A [[micrograph]] showing '''foam cells''' in the vascular [[wiktionary:Papillae|papillae]] of ''papillary [[renal cell carcinoma]]''. [[H&E stain]].
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

{{cell-biology-stub}}
{{Blood}}
{{Vascular diseases}}
[[Category:Blood and immune system cells]]
[[Category:Cardiovascular system]]

[[de:Schaumzelle]]
[[fr:Cellule spumeuse]]
[[sv:Skumcell]]
[[Category:2Fix]]