New discovery of a human body part linked to cancer.
A new organ called the interstitium has been discovered by American scientists and may shed light on how cancer metastasizes.
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| Illustrative image/Source: Internet. |
With today's advancements in anatomy, few would have thought that medicine would discover new body parts until a team of scientists from New York University School of Medicine (USA) published their research. (In the journal)Scientific ReportsThey said they found a network of fluid-filled spaces in the tissue called interstitium.
According toScientific LạcThese fluid-filled spaces are located within the connective tissues.It is found beneath the skin's surface, in the digestive tract, lungs, urinary system, and surrounding muscles. Previously, interstitium was mistaken for collagen.
Besides protecting the body from injury through its shock-absorbing capabilities, the authors believe interstitium may also hold the key to understanding the process of cancer metastasis.This organ supports fluid transport throughout the body, making it susceptible to cancerous growth that can spread to the lymph nodes. Beyond cancer, the discovery of the interstitium is also important for research into edema, fibrosis, and the mechanical function of tissues and organs.
According toNewsweekIf accepted by the scientific community, the interstitium would become the 80th official organ of the human body.
