mesenchyme

[ mes-eng-kahym, mez- ]

noun

, Embryology.

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

mesenchyme

/ ˌmɛsɛŋˈkɪmətəs; mɛsˈɛŋkɪməl; ˈmɛsɛŋˌkaɪm /

noun

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

Derived Forms

• mesenchymal, adjective

Other Words From

• mes·en·chy·mal [mes-, eng, -k, uh, -m, uh, l, mez-], mes·en·chym·a·tous [mes-eng-, kahy, -m, uh, -t, uh, s, mez-], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mesenchyme¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of mesenchyme¹

C19: New Latin, from meso- + -enchyma

Example Sentences

Called the mesenchyme, this tissue contains cell layers that either stretch or pinch together.

From Science Magazine

In this complex metamorphosis, epithelial cells — the kind that stick together in sheets to form bodily tissues — are converted into loosely organized cells called mesenchyme.

From New York Times

Targeting signalling pathways that affect tumour mesenchyme have also yielded disappointing results thus far.

From Nature

Figures of early stages in vertebral development by the authors mentioned show that the basidorsals chondrify first, as neural arches, while a separate mass of mesenchyme lies externally and ventrally from these.

From Project Gutenberg

In Annelids with trochosphere larvae a certain amount of mesenchyme is formed at an earlier 319 stage and gives rise to the muscular bands of the young larva.

From Project Gutenberg