The interstitium is a complex organ , composed of a series of  interconnected channels, which run throughout the body and are filled with a particular liquid.

The interstitium seems to have as its primary function that of ” anatomical shock absorber ” of shocks for all internal organs, but its study could even explain some mechanisms that would be at the basis of the spread of tumors.

Here are some ideas to learn more about the interstitium .                                    

Interstitium, what is it?

The word evokes dusty spaces behind furniture, never very clean tile joints and other amenities.

Intended as “the new organ” instead, the interstitium or Interstitium, consists of a dense network of channels filled with an aqueous solution (interstitial liquid), which are found almost everywhere in the human body : under the skin , but also in the tissues that line the intestines, lungs, blood vessels, urinary system, and muscles .

It is so widespread that it is one of the largest organs in our body.

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To highlight and characterize this organ was a research group led by the Nyu School of Medicine , in the United States, in a study now published in Scientific Reports , thanks to the particularity of the technique used, that is the confocal laser endomicroscopy.

It is a tool that allows you to have images of cellular and sub-cellular structures at the microscopic level.

The use of this technique has been fundamental in the research, because it allows to visualize also the liquid in the tissues, which otherwise, with the traditional biopsy techniques based on the use of slides, would be removed .

Therefore, what is usually highlighted under the microscope is only that what remains of the “collapsed” tissues , that is after the loss of the interstitial fluid that normally fills them.

Supported by a network of resistant and flexible connective tissue thanks to the presence of collagen and elastin , the interstitium represents a real ” anatomical shock absorber “, preventing the organs, muscles and blood vessels from being crushed or lacerated . The interstitium then forms as a single large channel, which runs along the body and which protects the tissues and organs.

Interstice, because it is talked about

The “new” organ will make a lot of talk about itself , as soon as the composition of the interstitial fluid can be directly analyzed .

The applications could be varied: the early diagnosis of inflammatory diseases or even cancer .

In fact, the interstitial fluid comes from the lymphatic system and this link implies that if the cancer cells reach the interstitium they are more likely to spread to other parts of the body.

But the interstitium could also play a fundamental part in other fields of health :

> The formation of wrinkles, the aging of the skin , as it is located immediately under the epidermis.

> The stiffening of the limbs .

> The progression of some inflammatory diseases , thanks to the presence of stem cells in it.

This “just born” gap will hold great surprises for us!