Acinar is a term that is commonly used in the field of anatomy to refer to the small sac-like structures that are found in various parts of the body. These structures are responsible for producing and secreting various substances, such as enzymes, hormones, and other chemicals. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of acinar in more detail.
Definitions
Acinar is defined as a small, rounded or oblong structure that is found in glandular tissue. These structures are responsible for producing and secreting various substances, such as enzymes, hormones, and other chemicals. The term acinar is often used to describe the structure of the pancreas, where the acinar cells are responsible for producing digestive enzymes.
Origin
The term acinar has its roots in the Latin word “acinus,” which means “berry” or “grape.” This is likely due to the fact that the structure of acinar cells resembles the shape of a small berry or grape.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, acinar is defined as “of, relating to, or being an acinus.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines acinar as “relating to or resembling an acinus, especially a glandular acinus.”
Associations
Acinar is often associated with glandular tissue and the production and secretion of various substances. It is also commonly associated with the pancreas, where the acinar cells are responsible for producing digestive enzymes.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for acinar include glandular, sac-like, and berry-shaped.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for acinar, as it is a specific term that refers to a particular type of structure.
The same root words
The root word for acinar is “acinus,” which is also the root word for other related terms such as aciniform (resembling an acinus) and acinose (full of acini).
Example Sentences
- The acinar cells in the pancreas are responsible for producing digestive enzymes.
- The biopsy showed that there was abnormal growth in the acinar tissue.
- The acinar structure of the sweat glands allows for efficient secretion of sweat.