ductule
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A very small duct; a tiny tube or channel in the body or in a structure, especially one that carries secretions or other fluids.
Usage
The word "ductule" is a technical term used primarily in anatomy, biology, and medicine. It refers to the smallest branches of a duct system. It is a countable noun.
Examples
- Under the microscope, we could observe the ductules carrying bile from the liver cells.
- The tear fluid drains from the eye through tiny ductules.
- The blockage occurred in a ductule of the salivary gland.
Advanced Usage
- Anatomical Systems: The term is often used in compound names for specific small ducts within an organ system, such as "bile ductules" in the liver or "efferent ductules" in the male reproductive system.
- The seminiferous tubules connect to the efferent ductules.
Variants and Related Words
- Duct (noun): A tube or channel for conveying fluid or air. A "ductule" is a diminutive form of a "duct."
- Ductular (adjective): Relating to or resembling a ductule.
- The biopsy showed ductular proliferation.
Synonyms
- Tubule: A very small tube, often used interchangeably in biological contexts.
- Canaliculus: An extremely small canal or duct, often smaller than a ductule.
Notes on Meaning
The core meaning is always "a very small duct." Its specific function (e.g., carrying bile, tears, sperm) is defined by the anatomical context in which it is used, not by the word "ductule" itself.