parenchymás

Parenchyma refers to the functional tissue of an organ, as opposed to its structural connective tissue. In botany, parenchyma cells are the most common type of plant cell, forming the ground tissue of stems, roots, leaves, and fruits. These cells are typically thin-walled and have a variety of functions, including photosynthesis, storage of food and water, and secretion. In the leaves, parenchyma cells are known as mesophyll and are the primary site of photosynthesis. In roots and stems, parenchyma can store starch and other nutrients.

In zoology, parenchyma describes the soft, spongy tissue that fills the bodies of many invertebrates, particularly simpler organisms like flatworms and sponges. It is a type of loose connective tissue that consists of cells and extracellular matrix. The parenchyma is not a true organ system but rather the functional tissue of the organism. In these simpler animals, the parenchyma often performs functions carried out by specialized organ systems in more complex animals, such as nutrient transport, waste removal, and even locomotion. The cellular composition and arrangement of parenchyma can vary significantly between different phyla. For instance, in flatworms, the parenchyma is more organized and plays a crucial role in their regenerative abilities.