What is the term for a false membrane that can form in various infections?

The term "pseudomembranous" describes a false membrane that can form in response to certain infections, most commonly associated with conditions like pseudomembranous colitis, which is often caused by Clostridium difficile. This type of membrane is an inflammatory response that occurs when tissues are damaged and dead cells accumulate, often appearing as a dirty gray or white film over mucosal surfaces.

In infections, these pseudomembranes may be composed of fibrin, necrotic tissue, and inflammatory cells, creating a protective layer that can complicate healing and contribute to ongoing symptoms associated with the infection. This characteristic is crucial in diagnosing and understanding various infectious diseases where pseudomembranes are a sign of severe tissue damage and inflammation.

The other terms—fibrous, necrotic, and hyperplastic—do not accurately represent this specific phenomenon. Fibrous refers to tissue characterized by a significant amount of collagen, necrotic pertains to dead tissue due to lack of blood supply, and hyperplastic describes an increase in the number of cells leading to tissue enlargement. None of these terms capture the essence of the false membrane formed during specific infections the way "pseudomembranous" does.