"Interstitial" describes something that occurs in, or is related to, the spaces between things, often in the context of tissues or organs. It refers to the interval or space between structures or elements.
Here are some examples:
- Interstitial fluid: This fluid fills the spaces between cells in tissues.
- Interstitial lung disease (ILD): This group of conditions causes inflammation and scarring in the spaces between the tiny air sacs in the lungs.
- Interstitial cystitis (IC): A chronic condition causing bladder pain, often characterized by pain in the spaces between the bladder lining and the muscle wall.
Think of "interstitial" as describing the "gaps" or "spaces" within something, whether it's a tissue, organ, or even a larger system.
