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 mesenchyme in these areas will develop directly into bone through the process of intramembranous ossification, in which mesenchymal cells differentiate into bone-producing cells that then generate bone tissue.

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

Cells at the center of this interzone region undergo cell death to form the joint cavity, while surrounding mesenchyme cells will form the articular capsule and supporting ligaments.

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