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Stroma |
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stroma [′strō·mə]
(anatomy) The supporting tissues of an organ, including connective and nervous tissues and blood vessels. Stroma (1) The supporting framework of an animal organ. The stroma consists of unstructured connective tissue containing specific elements of an organ, cells capable of reproduction, and fibrous structures that provide support. Blood vessels and lymphatics pass through it. Stromal elements perform a protective role by participating in phagocytosis. Red and white blood cells develop from the stromal cells of hematopoietic organs. (2) The protein base of erythrocytes. (3) In many ascomycetes and Fungi Imperfecti, the compact mass of hyphae upon which spore-bearing bodies (conidio-phores) are arranged. (4) In algae and higher plants, the colorless protein base of plastids in which a strictly ordered system of membranes serving as pigment carriers is embedded. Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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