mesenchymal
Meaning of mesenchymal: Mesenchymal describes embryonic connective tissue and the cells derived from it that can develop into bone, cartilage, fat, and blood related tissue.
Definition of mesenchymal
Mesenchymal is a term describing mesenchyme, a loose type of connective tissue present in the embryo, and the cells derived from it. Mesenchymal cells are capable of developing into a range of more specialized tissue types, including bone, cartilage, fat, skeletal muscle, and the cells that form blood vessels and lymphatic vessels.
Because mesenchymal cells retain this developmental flexibility even after early development, cells with mesenchymal characteristics, sometimes called mesenchymal stem cells, can be found in adult tissue such as bone marrow and fat, where they are studied for their potential to be directed into specific cell types for research and regenerative purposes.
The term mesenchymal is also used more broadly in pathology to describe tumors that arise from connective tissue rather than from epithelial cells, the cells that line body surfaces and organs, a distinction that helps classify a tumor's likely origin and behavior.
Used in a sentence
Pathology described the tumor as having mesenchymal features on microscopic examination.
Good to know
A tumor described as mesenchymal in origin arises from connective tissue rather than from epithelial cells, a distinction used in classifying tumors and predicting how they may behave.
Word origin
Where “mesenchymal” comes from
Formed from Greek mesos, meaning middle, and enchyma, meaning infusion, from en-, meaning in, and chein, meaning to pour.