• @Dave@lemmy.nz
    link
    fedilink
    English
    1416 days ago

    It says spines, rather than spine. The esophagus is covered in spines (think like the spines on a porcupine, not a backbone).

      • feinstruktur
        link
        fedilink
        English
        115 days ago

        Thanks to all for the English lesson! I’ve learned something.

        • @Crankenstein@lemmy.world
          link
          fedilink
          English
          215 days ago

          More a biology lesson. It’s the scientific word for the appendage. Human’s — I believe all mammals as well — have them lining our lower intestines. They help us absorb nutrients by increasing surface area.

          The word itself, papillae, just means “a small, rounded part which protrudes from an organ/ nipple” from Latin.