Nota: A tradução desta entrada está atualmente em revisão de qualidade, portanto parte do conteúdo é exibida temporariamente apenas em inglês.
Este verbete ainda não foi traduzido para o seu idioma, portanto o original é exibido abaixo.
theca
This term is used exclusively within specialized biological and anatomical contexts to describe protective enclosures. It carries a clinical and descriptive tone, devoid of emotional connotation, and is typically found in textbooks, research papers, or medical reports rather than general conversation.
In botanical and zoological contexts, it refers to the physical boundary that shields a seed or organism. In human anatomy, specifically regarding the ovaries, it describes the cellular layers surrounding a follicle. Because it is a technical term derived from Greek, it is used with high precision to distinguish a specific type of sheath from a general membrane or wall.
Meanings
The outer shell or capsule of a follicle, such as the theca interna and externa in an ovary.
Hormone production occurs within the cells of the theca.
A hard, protective case or shell surrounding certain organisms, such as dinoflagellates.
The dinoflagellate is characterized by a cellulose-based theca.
Examples
The theca interna produces androgens that are later converted to estrogens.
Look at how the theca of this dinoflagellate is composed of cellulose plates.
The specimen shows a ruptured theca in the ovarian follicle.
Does the theca provide enough structural support for the developing spore?
The cell wall is reinforced by a rigid theca to prevent collapse.
We need to examine the thickness of the theca externa under the microscope.
The fungal spore is enclosed within a protective theca.