Akademik

Parenchyma
The key elements of an organ essential to its functioning, as distinct from the capsule that encompasses it and other supporting structures. The parenchyma is thus opposed to the connective tissue framework, or stroma, of an organ. The parenchyma of the testis consists of what are called the seminiferous tubules. The Greek word "parenchyma" means "that which is poured in." It reflects the ancient (and erroneous) idea that the inner substance of solid organs like the liver, spleen and kidneys was formed by blood that was poured into it. The word is pronounced "pa-ren-ki-ma" with the "y" in "parenchyma" pronounced as a short "i" rather than as "eye."
* * *
1. The distinguishing or specific cells of a gland or organ, contained in and supported by the connective tissue framework, or stroma. 2. The endoplasm of a protozoan cell. [G. anything poured in beside, fr. parencheo, to pour in beside]
- p. glandulae thyroideae [TA] SYN: p. of thyroid gland.
- p. prostatae [TA] SYN: p. of prostate.
- p. of prostate [TA] the basis cellular tissue (substance) composing the prostate. SYN: p. prostatae [TA].
- p. testis [TA] SYN: p. of testis.
- p. of testis [TA] the basic cellular tissue substance composing the testis, consisting of the seminiferous tubules and interstitial cells (Leydig and Sertoli cells) located within the lobules. SYN: p. testis [TA].
- p. of thyroid gland [TA] the basic cellular tissue (substance) composing the thyroid gland, organized as follicles. SYN: p. glandulae thyroideae [TA].

* * *

pa·ren·chy·ma pə-'reŋ-kə-mə n the essential and distinctive tissue of an organ or an abnormal growth as distinguished from its supportive framework

* * *

n.
the functional part of an organ, as opposed to the supporting tissue (stroma).

* * *

pa·ren·chy·ma (pə-rengґkĭ-mə) [Gr. “anything poured in beside”] the essential elements of an organ; in anatomical nomenclature this refers to its functional elements as distinguished from its framework, the stroma. parenchymal, parenchymatous adj

Medical dictionary. 2011.