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Glite Dictionary
🧠 A fluid cavity 🧬 A cell sac
cisterna

cisterna

9.8
A flat space inside a cell or tissue that holds fluid
  • noun
  • /sɪˈstɜrnə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : cisterna
  • The Golgi apparatus is made up of several cisternae that modify and package proteins.

Examples

  • The cisterna in the brain holds cerebrospinal fluid.

  • Scientists observed the movement of fluid inside the cisterna under a microscope.

  • A cisterna can store important substances within a cell until they are needed.

  • A cisterna can be found in various tissues.

  • The Golgi apparatus is made up of several cisternae that modify and package proteins.

  • Scientists observed the movement of fluid inside the cisterna under a microscope.

  • The cisterna in the brain holds cerebrospinal fluid.

Synonyms

cavity
vscisterna
  • Specialized
70 4.1

A natural hollow inside the body that holds organs like the heart

is a fluid filled sac within cells or tissues rather than a general hollow
vesicle
vscisterna
  • Specialized
3 7.9

A small sac in living things that holds fluid

is a fluid filled sac in cells or tissues not limited to small size
cistern
vscisterna
  • Specialized
1 7.9

A small space in the body that holds fluid, often near the brain

is a general fluid filled sac within cells or tissues rather than specific fluids
vesica
vscisterna
  • Specialized
9.9

A thin sac in the body that holds liquid or gas

is a fluid filled sac in tissues or cells rather than a distensible bladder

How Big

chamber
271 3.9
cavity
  • Specialized
70 4.1
cisterna
  • Specialized
9.8
vesicle
  • Specialized
3 7.9

Surface Forms

cisterna singular
cisternae plural

Morphology

cisterna = cistern (semi-transparent) = cistern + a

The form and basic sense are related to 'cistern', but the '-a' ending reflects a Latin nominal form and the cellular/tissue usage is technical.

Etymology

Cisterna comes from the Latin word for a water tank and is like the English cistern, a 'reservoir'. In cells a cisterna is a small sac that stores or moves substances, like a tiny 'reservoir' inside the cell.