Audiniai

Audiniai is a Lithuanian term with two common meanings depending on context. In biology, audiniai refers to tissues, while in everyday use it also denotes fabrics or textiles. The distinction relies on whether the discussion concerns living organisms or manufactured materials.

In a biological sense, tissues are collections of similar cells organized to perform specific functions. In animals, the four basic tissue types are epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue. Epithelial tissue lines surfaces and cavities, offering protection and selective permeability. Connective tissue supports, binds, and nourishes other tissues and organs; it includes bone, cartilage, blood, and fat. Muscle tissue enables contraction and movement, and nervous tissue transmits electrical impulses and coordinates body activities. Tissues combine to form organs and organ systems, with histology the study of their structure and organization at the microscopic level. The extracellular matrix, composed of proteins such as collagen and other molecules, provides support and influences cell behavior.

In the textile sense, audinys means fabric produced by weaving, knitting, crocheting, or felting. Fabrics are made from fibers, which can be natural (for example cotton, wool, silk, flax) or synthetic (such as polyester, nylon, acrylic). The properties of a fabric—strength, elasticity, absorbency, texture, and weight—determine its applications in clothing, upholstery, or industrial uses. Finishing processes, dyeing, and surface treatments further modify appearance and performance. The same Lithuanian word thus covers both a fundamental biological concept and a material product, meaning context is important to interpretation.