"Fenestrated membrane" is spelled /fɪˈnɛstɹeɪtɪd ˈmɛmbɹeɪn/, with the primary stress on the second syllable of both words. The word "fenestrated" comes from the Latin "fenestra," meaning "window," and refers to a membrane or tissue with small openings or "windows." The spelling of "membrane" follows standard English phonetic patterns, with the silent "b" and the primary stress on the second syllable. Together, the term describes a membrane with small openings or windows, and is commonly used in medical and biological contexts.
A fenestrated membrane refers to a type of semi-permeable structure that contains small openings or perforations, referred to as fenestrae or fenestrations. These fenestrations are tiny pores or holes present on the surface of the membrane, which allow for the passage of certain substances or solutes. The term "fenestrated" originates from the Latin word "fenestra," which means "window."
The fenestrations on a fenestrated membrane are typically evenly spaced, and their diameters can vary depending on the specific structure. These membranes are often found in various biological systems, including the body's blood vessels, the glomerulus of the kidney, and certain tissues in the central nervous system.
The primary function of a fenestrated membrane is to facilitate selective filtration or diffusion of specific molecules or particles. By allowing only certain substances to pass through, this type of membrane assists in maintaining the balance of fluids and solutes within the body. For instance, in the renal glomerulus, the fenestrated membrane aids in the filtration of small molecules like water, ions, and metabolic waste products, while preventing the passage of larger substances like red and white blood cells.
Overall, the fenestrated membrane serves as an essential barrier that selectively regulates the flow of substances between different compartments, contributing to the proper functioning and homeostasis of various bodily systems.
Tunica intima of an artery.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "fenestrated" comes from the Latin word "fenestra", which means "window". In biology, "fenestrated" describes a structure that has small openings or windows. The term "membrane" comes from the Latin word "membrana", which means "thin layer". When these two words are combined, "fenestrated membrane" refers to a thin layer or structure with small openings or windows. This term is commonly used in anatomy and physiology to describe specific tissues or membranes in the body that have fenestrations or pores.