noun
crypt
A small pit or cavity in body tissue.
A small crypt in the tonsil can trap food particles.
Etymology
The Greek word names a concealed place. Anatomy applies that image to small recessed cavities in tissue, tucked away from the exposed surface.
More examples
- New cells form near the base of each intestinal crypt.
- The microscope reveals several crypts in the tissue sample.
- The doctor finds debris inside a tonsillar crypt.
Forms
crypt · crypts