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stromal

stromal

1 8.6
Relating to the soft tissue that supports an organ, cell, or tumor
  • adjective
  • /ˈstrōməl/
  • Specialized
: estromal
  • MRI is used to assess the epithelial and stromal components of the neoplasm, as well as the surrounding soft tissue.
  • stromal component
  • stromal cells

Examples

  • Peripheral anterior synechiae and stromal vascularization were present in one quadrant.

    Academic text (2007)
  • The histologist examined the stromal tissue surrounding the tumor under a microscope.

  • So they're known as stromal cells in this in this location.

  • MRI of the stromal components reveals low signal intensity.

    Academic text (2010)
  • In the study, stromal cells were shown to provide essential support to the developing organs.

  • MRI scans provide detailed images of stromal structures within different types of tissue.

Synonyms

sustentacular
vsstromal
  • Specialized
9.9

Helping to support cells or body tissue

refers to the connective tissue matrix specific to organs not general support
fibroblastic
vsstromal
  • Specialized
9.5

Describes cells that make the fibers that hold body tissue together

is broader, applying to organ connective matrix rather than one cell type

Surface Forms

stromal positive

Morphology

stromal = stroma (semi-transparent) = stroma + al

The adjective is formed regularly from the technical noun 'stroma' plus '-al', but the base word itself is specialized rather than common.

Etymology

The word stromal comes from the Greek stroma, which means 'bed' or 'layer'. Think of the stroma as a little 'bed' or supporting layer that holds the important cells, so stromal describes the tissue that supports and gives shape to an organ or structure.