cribriforma

Cribriforma (from Latin cribrum, "sieve," + -formis, "shaped") is an adjective used in anatomical, pathological, and biological contexts to describe structures that are perforated or sieve-like. The term is most commonly encountered in anatomy and histology.

In anatomy, the cribriform plate (lamina cribrosa) of the ethmoid bone is a thin, perforated portion of the anterior cranial base that transmits olfactory nerve fibers from the nasal cavity to the olfactory bulbs. Injury or fracture of the cribriform plate can cause anosmia and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea. The cribriform fascia (also called the fascia cribrosa) is a mesh-like portion of the superficial fascia over the saphenous opening in the groin, permitting passage of veins and lymphatics.

In pathology and histology, "cribriform" describes a growth pattern in which tumor cells form rounded nests with multiple round spaces, resembling a sieve. Cribriform architecture is recognized in several tumor types—such as certain prostate carcinomas, adenoid cystic carcinoma, and some breast carcinomas—and can have diagnostic and prognostic significance. For example, cribriform patterns in prostate cancer are associated with more aggressive behavior.

Beyond medicine, the descriptor applies broadly to any biological or material surface with a porous, perforated appearance. The term emphasizes morphology rather than a single specific structure.