Scientists discover new human organ 'intersitium'

The new organ consists of fluid filled spaces which could be used to help understand the spread of cancer. Photo credit: Eric V. Grave/Getty

US scientists say they have identified a new human organ which they've called "interstitium".

Interstitium sits below the surface of the skin, looks like mesh and surrounds arteries and veins - a casing for fibrous tissue between muscles.

It can also be found lining our digestive tracts, lungs and urinary systems.

Until now scientists believed the interstitium layer was just a form of dense connective tissue, but a new approach to studying tissue allowed scientists to see it differently for the first time.

Historically, tissue samples were placed under a microscope, thinly sliced and treated with chemicals. But this approach would drain the fluid and collapse the structure of the interstitium.

A new method involving a camera probe has meant the organ can now be looked at as a living tissue. 

Neil Theise, professor at New York's School of Medicine - the school that made the discovery - told National Geographic the organ is like a "shock absorber".

He has a theory it could be a fluid that supports immunity and that researching how diseases spread through this part of the body could give scientists a better understanding of cancer. 

"Can we detect [disease] earlier by sampling fluid from the space? Can we figure out mechanisms to stop spread?", Professor Theise asked. 

Newshub. 

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