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

Other Word Forms

• mesenchymal adjective
• mesenchymatous 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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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