noun
papilla
puh-PIL-uh/pəˈpɪlə/
A small nipple-shaped projection on tissue or an organ.
Under the microscope, a papilla appears as a tiny tissue projection.
Etymology
Latin papilla meant “nipple.” The anatomical meaning broadened from an actual nipple to a small projection resembling one, including projections elsewhere on the body or its organs.
In context
they form together the major duodenal papilla now that's in the second part of the duodenum
More examples
- Some papillae on the tongue contain taste buds.
- The dentist notices an inflamed papilla between two teeth.
- The diagram shows a papilla projecting from the kidney tissue.
Forms
papilla · papillae · papillas
papillary adjective — Relating to small nipple-shaped tissue projections.
Similar words
- projection
- A broader term for any part extending from a surface.
- protuberance
- Any rounded bulge, not necessarily a small tissue structure.