crypt (kript)

A small cavity, either entirely closed or opening on a free surface, c's of Liieberkuhn. See under Lieberkiihn. c's of the tongue. Small depre ions in the mucous membrane of the tongue whose walls are studded with spherical projections each of which contains a vascular loop and is provided with lymph follicles, multilocular c's. The lobules of an acinous or racemose gland. sebaceous c's. See sebaceous glands under gland, synovial c's. See bursa mucosa, synovlparous c's. Small follicle-like extensions of the synovial membranes which occasionally perforate the capsule of the joints, and sometimes become shut off from the main sac. [Gr., krypte, vault, from kryptein, to hide.] CRYSTAL crypt it is (krip-ti'tis). Inflammation of a crypt.