Parenchyma

Term: ParenchymaDefinition: The functional tissue of an organ, as distinguished from the connective and supporting tissue.Phonetic Pronunciation: (puh-RENG-kuh-muh)Origin: The term "parenchyma" originates from the Greek word "parenkhyma," which means "something poured in beside," derived from "para" (beside) and "en-," "enkhynai" (to pour in). In biology, it was first used to describe the essential and functional parts of organs.Significance in Asbestos Context: In the context of asbestos-related diseases, the parenchyma of the lungs is often affected. Asbestosis and other asbestos-induced conditions can lead to fibrosis and scarring of the lung parenchyma, which impairs respiratory function.Example Sentence: The medical report indicated that the patient's lung parenchyma showed signs of fibrosis due to prolonged asbestos exposure.Related Terms: Asbestosis, Lung Fibrosis, Respiratory System, Alveoli, Interstitial Lung DiseaseNotes: - Parenchyma is not unique to the lungs; it is found in various organs, but in the context of asbestos, the focus is primarily on lung parenchyma. - The term is often used in medical reports to describe the condition of the lungs in asbestos-related cases.