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 ribs and sternum also develop from mesenchyme.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The sclerotomes consist of an embryonic tissue called mesenchyme, which will give rise to the fibrous connective tissues, cartilages, and bones of the body.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

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

During embryonic growth, bones and joints develop from mesenchyme, an embryonic tissue that gives rise to bone, cartilage, and fibrous connective tissues.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

As has been implied in the above account, mesenchyme is usually formed from epithelial mesoderm or from endoderm, or from tissue destined to form endoderm.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 3 "Electrostatics" to "Engis" by Various