splanchn(o)-
The viscera; intestines.
[Greek splankhna, entrails.]
The adjective splanchnic refers to the viscera or internal organs, especially those of the abdomen; splanchnology is the scientific study of the viscera and its organs; the splanchnocranium comprises those bones and cartilages of the head and face that are derived from visceral arch elements. A splanchnopleure (Greek pleura, side) is a layer of tissue in a vertebrate embryo, which gives rise to the gut, lungs, and yolk sac.
Visit Michael Quinion’s World Wide Words site for 2000+ articles on English!
Copyright © Michael Quinion 2008–. All rights reserved. Page last updated 23 September 2008.
Your comments and suggestions on the site are very welcome.