In medical terminology, the term ‘gross’ refers to something that is visible to the naked eye, as opposed to microscopic levels. It is often used in the context of pathology and anatomy, referring to the examination of organs, tissues, or other substances without the aid of magnification.
For example, when a pathologist performs a gross examination of a specimen, they are looking for visible abnormalities or changes that can be observed directly. This could include looking for tumors, lesions, or other significant structural changes. After the gross examination, further analysis at the microscopic level may be conducted to provide more detailed insights into the condition.
Essentially, the term ‘gross’ in this context underscores the importance of initial visual assessment in medical evaluations, allowing healthcare professionals to make preliminary observations before delving into more detailed microscopic examinations.