bløddele

Bløddele is a Danish term that literally means "soft parts" and is commonly used to refer to soft tissues in anatomy and medicine. The term denotes the non‑osseous components of the body that connect, support, enclose or separate other structures, excluding bone and teeth.

Soft tissues typically include skeletal muscle, tendons, ligaments, adipose tissue, fascia, synovium, blood vessels and peripheral nerves; in some contexts the internal organs or viscera are also considered bløddele. These tissues vary in structure and function but share properties of flexibility and resilience compared with mineralized tissues.

Functionally, bløddele enable movement, provide cushioning and metabolic storage, transmit forces, protect organs and maintain circulation and innervation. Because they are exposed to mechanical stress, soft tissues are commonly involved in acute and chronic injuries such as strains, sprains, contusions, tendonitis and bursitis. They are also the origin of a range of tumors, from benign lesions like lipomas to malignant soft tissue sarcomas.

Clinical assessment of bløddele uses physical examination and imaging modalities: ultrasound for superficial structures, magnetic resonance imaging for detailed soft tissue contrast, and sometimes computed tomography. Management depends on the condition and ranges from conservative measures (rest, immobilization, physiotherapy, anti‑inflammatory treatment) to interventional procedures or surgery. The term is used across human and veterinary medicine, and in some non‑medical contexts to describe edible soft parts in food processing.