Parenchymal
Parenchymal
Parenchymal (pronunciation: /pəˈrɛŋkɪməl/) is a term used in anatomy and pathology to refer to the functional parts of an organ in the body. This term is derived from the Greek word "parenkhuma," which means "something poured in beside."
Etymology
The term "parenchymal" is derived from the Ancient Greek word "παρέγχυμα" (parenkhuma), which means "something poured in beside." The word was first used in English in the 17th century and has been used in medical terminology since then.
Definition
In anatomy, the term "parenchymal" is used to refer to the functional parts of an organ, or the parts that are involved in the organ's primary function. For example, the parenchyma of the lung includes the alveoli, which are responsible for gas exchange.
In pathology, "parenchymal" refers to diseases or disorders that affect the functional parts of an organ. For example, parenchymal liver disease affects the hepatocytes, which are the functional cells of the liver.
Related Terms
- Parenchyma: The functional tissue in plants and animals. In animals, it consists of cells and intercellular substance; in plants, it is the bulk of the nonwoody structures.
- Stroma (tissue): The supportive or connective tissue in organs, as opposed to the parenchyma.
- Hepatocytes: The functional cells of the liver, which can be affected in parenchymal liver disease.
- Alveoli: Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs, part of the lung parenchyma.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Parenchymal
- Wikipedia's article - Parenchymal
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