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stroma
This term describes the structural scaffolding of an organ, acting as the physical architecture that holds the functional cells in place. It is the biological equivalent of a building's frame, providing the necessary blood supply and connective tissue to sustain the more active cellular components. In botany, the word shifts to describe the fluid-filled space within a chloroplast. Here, it represents a chemical environment where critical reactions occur, moving from a concept of rigid support to one of a nutrient-rich medium.
Countable when referring to different types of supportive frameworks in various organs. Uncountable when referring to the general substance of the supportive tissue.
Meanings
The supportive framework of a biological cell, tissue, or organ, consisting of other tissues that provide structural support to the functional part.
"The pathologist examined the stroma of the tumor."