mesenchyme

American  

[mes-eng-kahym, mez-] / ˈmɛs ɛŋ kaɪm, ˈmɛz- /

noun

Embryology.

1. cells of mesodermal origin that are capable of developing into connective tissues, blood, and lymphatic and blood vessels.

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mesenchyme British  

/ ˌmɛsɛŋˈkɪmətəs, mɛsˈɛŋkɪməl, ˈmɛsɛŋˌkaɪm /

noun

1. embryol the part of the mesoderm that develops into connective tissue, cartilage, lymph, blood, etc

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Other Word Forms

• mesenchymal adjective
• mesenchymatous adjective

Etymology

Origin of mesenchyme

1885–90; variant of mesenchyma < New Latin < Greek mesénchyma, equivalent to mes- mes- + énchyma infusion

Compare meaning

How does mesenchyme compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• mesenchyme vs. mesoderm

Example Sentences

The first connective tissue to develop in the embryo is mesenchyme, the stem cell line from which all connective tissues are later derived.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The ribs and sternum also develop from mesenchyme.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

At the same time, mesenchyme within the limb bud begins to differentiate into hyaline cartilage, forming models for future bones.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

In the head, mesenchyme will accumulate at those areas that will become the bones that form the top and sides of the skull.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Large lymphoid cells are early seen among those of the mesenchyme, but whether these migrate from the coelomic epithelium, or are originally mesenchymal is doubtful, though the former seems more probable.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 8 "Dubner" to "Dyeing" by Various