PARENCHYMULA Meaning and
Definition
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Parenchymula is a term used in zoology to describe the larval stage of certain sponges, specifically those belonging to the class Calcarea. It refers to a small, round, and multicellular structure that is usually free-swimming or crawling on the substrate, representing the early developmental stage of these organisms.
The parenchymula typically consists of a mass of ciliated cells that are organized into two distinct layers, an outer protective layer called the ectoderm and an inner layer known as the endoderm. Between these layers, there is a gelatinous matrix that provides structural support to the larva. The cilia on the outer layer allow for locomotion, enabling the parenchymula to move and explore its surroundings.
During this stage, the parenchymula undergoes a series of developmental changes leading to the formation of a mature sponge. These changes include the formation of tissues and structures, such as the osculum, which is an opening through which water is expelled. As the parenchymula continues to grow and develop, it gradually transforms into a juvenile sponge, eventually attaining its characteristic adult form.
The term "parenchymula" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "parenkhyma," meaning "an implanted tissue," and "ula," a diminutive suffix. The name reflects the nature of this larval stage, which begins the process of implanting and forming various tissues found in adult sponges.
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The stage in embryonic development next succeeding that of the closed blastula, in which the external differentiated cells pass into the interior.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PARENCHYMULA
- oarenchymula
- larenchymula
- -arenchymula
- 0arenchymula
- pzrenchymula
- psrenchymula
- pwrenchymula
- pqrenchymula
- paeenchymula
- padenchymula
- pafenchymula
- patenchymula
- pa5enchymula
- pa4enchymula
- parwnchymula
- parsnchymula
- pardnchymula
- parrnchymula
- par4nchymula
- par3nchymula
Etymology of PARENCHYMULA
The word "parenchymula" is a scientific term derived from ancient Greek. It combines two Greek words: "parenkhyma" (παρέγχυμα), meaning "a pouring in", and "ula" (ὕλη), meaning "little".
In embryology, "parenchymula" refers to the earliest stage of development of certain marine organisms, particularly sponges and coelenterates. It is a hollow, cup-shaped structure formed by invagination of the blastula, a stage during embryogenesis. The term "parenchymula" describes the process of "pouring" or "infusing" cells into the structure, which gives rise to further development.
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