parenchyma
/pəˈrɛŋkɪmə/
noun
- The functional tissue of an organ in animals or plants, as opposed to the supporting or connective tissue.
- The plant's leaf parenchyma is responsible for photosynthesis.
- In the lungs, the parenchyma includes the alveoli where gas exchange occurs.
- Damage to the kidney parenchyma can impair the organ's ability to filter blood.
Antonyms