Papillose

Papillose is a descriptive term used in biology to indicate that a surface or tissue bears papillae or papillary projections. The word derives from Latin papillosa, meaning nipple-like, and is used as an adjective to convey a textured, protruding surface rather than a smooth one.

In histology and anatomy, papillose describes epithelial or mucosal surfaces that display finger-like or nipple-like projections, often increasing surface area or forming a characteristic papillary architecture. This description can apply to various tissues where small projections are evident under microscopy, such as certain mucous membranes or tumor surfaces that exhibit papillary growth patterns. In botany and plant anatomy, papillose may refer to epidermal cells or leaf surfaces that show papilla-like ornamentations on their outer walls.

Usage notes: papillose is related to, but distinct from, papillate or papillary. Papillate typically describes a structure that has papillae, while papillose emphasizes the surface as being papillose in appearance. In medical terminology, more specific descriptors such as papillomatous or papillary are often used when referring to growths or lesions.

See also: papilla, papillary, papilloma, papillomatosis.