Definition

Noun: A small, star-shaped vein located in the outer part of the kidney (renal cortex). It is part of the network of tiny blood vessels involved in filtering blood.

Usage

The term "stellate venule" is a specific anatomical term. It is used in medical and biological contexts to describe a particular structure within the kidney's circulatory system. * The stellate venule collects filtered blood from the capillaries. * Under the microscope, the branching pattern of the stellate venule is visible.

Examples

• The pathologist noted the dilation of the stellate venule in the tissue sample.
• Blood flows from the peritubular capillaries into the stellate venule.

Advanced Usage

The term is almost exclusively used in technical writing and discourse related to renal (kidney) anatomy, physiology, or pathology.

Variants and Related Words

• Venule (noun): A very small vein, especially one collecting blood from the capillaries.
• Stellate (adjective): Arranged in a radiating pattern like a star.

Synonyms

• Stellate vein: This is a direct synonym, though "venule" is more precise as it indicates a very small vein.

Noun

1. a star-shaped group of venules in the renal cortex