Acinotubular – Definition & Meaning

Acinotubular is a term that is often used in medical and anatomical contexts. It refers to a structure that has both acinar and tubular components, meaning that it has both rounded and elongated shapes. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of acinotubular, as well as its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and examples of how it is used in a sentence.

Definitions

Acinotubular is an adjective that describes a structure that has both acinar and tubular components. An acinus is a small rounded structure, while a tubule is a small tube-like structure. Therefore, acinotubular structures are those that have both of these shapes.

Origin

The word acinotubular comes from two root words: acinus, which is Latin for “berry,” and tubule, which is derived from the Latin word tubulus, meaning “small tube.” The term acinotubular was first used in medical and anatomical contexts in the early 20th century.

Meaning in different dictionaries

Acinotubular is not a common word, and it may not be found in all dictionaries. However, some medical dictionaries define it as a structure that has both acinar and tubular components. For example, the Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary defines it as “having both acinar and tubular components.”

Associations

Acinotubular structures are found in various parts of the body, including the pancreas, salivary glands, and kidneys. In the pancreas, acinotubular structures are involved in the production and secretion of digestive enzymes. In the salivary glands, acinotubular structures produce and secrete saliva. In the kidneys, acinotubular structures are involved in the reabsorption of water and electrolytes.

Synonyms

There are no exact synonyms for acinotubular, but some related terms include acinar, tubular, and aciniform.

Antonyms

There are no direct antonyms for acinotubular, but some opposite terms include non-acinotubular, non-acinar, and non-tubular.

The same root words

Acinotubular is made up of two root words: acinus and tubule. Other words that contain these root words include aciniform, acinose, acinotubular adenoma, tubular adenoma, and tubular carcinoma.

Example Sentences

1. The pancreas contains acinotubular structures that produce and secrete digestive enzymes.
2. The salivary glands are composed of acinotubular structures that produce and secrete saliva.
3. The kidneys have acinotubular structures that are involved in the reabsorption of water and electrolytes.
4. The acinotubular adenoma is a rare type of tumor that can occur in the pancreas.
5. The tubular adenoma is a type of tumor that can occur in the colon.