What does papillary mean?

Papillary refers to something resembling or shaped like a papilla, which is a small, nipple-like projection or elevation on a surface. Papillae are commonly found in various biological contexts, including:

1. Dermatology: In the skin, papillae are small, finger-like projections that extend from the dermis (the inner layer of the skin) into the epidermis (the outer layer). These structures help create the skin's characteristic texture and contribute to skin elasticity.

2. Tongue: The tongue has numerous small papillae covering its surface. These papillae contain taste buds and help in the sense of taste. Different types of papillae on the tongue, such as fungiform papillae and filiform papillae, contribute to specific taste sensations.

3. Kidneys: Within the kidneys, there are renal papillae. These are small, pyramid-shaped structures located at the tips of the renal pyramids, which are functional units of the kidneys responsible for urine production. Renal papillae collect urine from the collecting ducts and direct it into the renal calyces.

4. Other Organs: Papillae can also be found in other organs and tissues, such as the gastrointestinal tract and the respiratory system. In these contexts, papillae often serve various functions related to absorption, secretion, or movement of substances.

Therefore, papillary refers to the presence of small, nipple-like projections or elevations that resemble papillae in structure or function.