Canaliculus
Canaliculus
Canaliculus (pronunciation: /kəˌnalɪˈkyʊləs/) is a small channel or duct in the body that serves various functions depending on its location. The term is derived from the Latin word canaliculus, meaning "small canal or duct".
Etymology
The term canaliculus is derived from the Latin canalis, meaning "channel", with the diminutive suffix -culus, indicating "small". Thus, canaliculus translates to "small channel".
Types of Canaliculi
There are several types of canaliculi in the human body, each serving a unique function:
- Bile canaliculi: These are small ducts between hepatocytes that collect bile, a fluid produced by the liver to aid in digestion.
- Bone canaliculi: These are microscopic canals between osteocytes in bone tissue, allowing for communication and nutrient exchange.
- Intercellular canaliculi: These are channels that facilitate communication between cells in certain tissues, such as the gastric glands in the stomach.
- Canaliculus (eye): In the eye, the canaliculi are part of the lacrimal apparatus, which produces and drains tears.
Related Terms
- Canal: A larger channel or duct in the body, such as the semicircular canals in the inner ear or the birth canal.
- Duct (anatomy): A passage with walls that serves to convey and remove secretions from the body or other fluids.
- Hepatocyte: A cell of the main tissue of the liver. Hepatocytes make up 70-85% of the liver's mass.
- Osteocyte: A star-shaped type of bone cell. They are the most commonly found cells in mature bone tissue.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Canaliculus
- Wikipedia's article - Canaliculus
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