acinous
Học thuậtThân thiện
The scientist examines the acinous structure of the gland under the microscope.
Definition
- Adjective:
- Relating to or resembling an acinus: Pertaining to one of the small, sac-like structures, particularly found in certain glands or organs.
- Having a structure composed of acini: Describing a gland or tissue that is made up of these small, berry-like secretory units.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- The pathologist noted the acinous structure of the salivary gland under the microscope.
- Pancreatic tissue has a distinct acinous organization for enzyme secretion.
Advanced Usage
- "Acinous gland": A gland, such as the exocrine pancreas or salivary glands, whose secretory cells are arranged in small sacs (acini).
- The acinous glands are responsible for producing digestive enzymes.
- "Acinous cell": A specific type of cell that makes up part of an acinus.
- The acinous cells of the pancreas secrete trypsinogen.
Variants and Related Words
- Acinus (n): The singular form; a small, sac-like cluster of cells, often berry-shaped, that constitutes the basic secretory unit of certain glands.
- Each acinus in the mammary gland produces milk.
- Acinar (adj): A synonym often used interchangeably with "acinous" to describe structures related to or composed of acini.
- The acinar pattern is characteristic of healthy exocrine pancreatic tissue.
- Acinic (adj): Another adjective form with the same meaning.
- The biopsy showed normal acinic architecture.
Synonyms
- Acinar: Pertaining to an acinus.
- Follicular: Pertaining to a small sac or glandular structure (though "follicular" is more specific to thyroid, ovarian, or hair follicles, the structural concept is similar).
- Saccular: Having the form of a small sac or pouch.
Notes on Meaning
- The term is highly specialized and used primarily in anatomy, histology, and pathology. It describes a specific microscopic morphological pattern.
- It is distinct from tubular or alveolar structures, which refer to different shapes of secretory units (tube-like or larger sac-like, respectively).
The scientist examines the acinous structure of the gland under the microscope.
Adjective
- pertaining to one of the small sacs (as in a compound gland)