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interstitium
Anatomical space bounded by the basement membranes of epithelial & endothelial cells. Proposed to be previously unrecognized human organ [2]
Function:
- shock absorption* [2]
* found in tissues subject to intermittent or rhythmic compression, including: submucosa of gastrointestinal tract & urinary bladder, bile ducts, dermis, bronchial tree, musculoskeletal tissue, adipose tissue & fascia [2]
Structure:
- consists of fluid-filled spaces supported by thick collagen bundles
- fibroblast-like cells that stain with endothelial markers & vimentin line the collagen bundles
- at least some fibroblast-like cells are CD34(+)
- unusual & extensive unlined interface between the collagen bundles & the surrounding fluid.
Pathology:
- potential role in cancer metastases [2]
- potential role in edema & fibrosis
Related
interstitial lung disease; diffuse parenchymal lung disease (DPLS, ILD)
General
organ
References
- Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 11, American
College of Physicians, Philadelphia 1998
- Benias PC, Wells RG, Sackey-Aboagye B et al
Structure and Distribution of an Unrecognized Interstitium in
Human Tissues.
Scientific Reports. volume 8, Article number: 4947 (2018)
PMID: 29588511 Free full text
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-23062-6
- NYU Langone Health
Researchers Find New "Organ" Missed by Gold Standard Methods
for Visualizing Anatomy and Disease.
Newswire Mar 27, 2018
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/researchers-find-new-organ-missed-by-gold-standard-methods-for-visualizing-anatomy-and-disease-300620206.html