FOLLICLE Meaning and
Definition
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A follicle is a small, spherical cavity or sac-like structure that is found in various organisms, particularly in animals and plants. It can refer to different types of follicles depending on the context. In the context of anatomy, a follicle typically refers to a specialized structure found in the skin or body that encloses a hair, feather, or nail. In mammals, hair follicles are the anatomical structures from which hair grows. They consist of an elongated cavity in the skin, known as the hair follicle canal, which contains the root of the hair and its associated structures such as the sebaceous gland and arrector pili muscle.
In addition to its anatomical meaning, the term follicle is also used in other biological disciplines. For example, in reproductive biology, a follicle typically refers to a small fluid-filled sac within the ovary. These ovarian follicles contain immature eggs, known as oocytes, and are crucial for the female reproductive system and menstrual cycle. The size and number of ovarian follicles can provide insights into fertility and reproductive health.
Overall, a follicle can be described as a small, spherical structure that encloses or contains something specific within an organism's anatomy or reproductive system. Its definition can vary depending on the specific field of study, but all definitions share the common theme of a small cavity or sac-like structure.
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1. A simple tubular gland. 2. A crypt or minute cul-de-sac or lacuna, such as the depression in the skin from which the hair emerges. 3. A minute circumscribed mass of lymphoid cells in the mucous membrane. 4. One of the vesicular bodies in the ovary, containing the ova, Graafian follicle. 5. In botany, a dry pod-like fruit, splitting by the ventral suture.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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An air-bag; a little bag; a cavity; a seed-vessel opening along the side, to which the seeds are attached, as in the pea.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of FOLLICLE
The word "follicle" originated from the Latin term "folliculus", which means "small bag" or "sack". The Latin word "folliculus" is a diminutive form of "folles", which translates to "bellows" or "leather bag". The term "follicle" was initially used in botany to describe the small sac where seeds develop, resembling a tiny bag or sack. Over time, the term was adopted in anatomy to refer to various small sac-like structures in the human body, including the hair follicles.
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