Medical Dictionary
capsule
noun cap·sule \ˈkap-səl, -(ˌ)sül\
Medical Definition of CAPSULE
1
a : a membrane or saclike structure enclosing a part or organ <the capsule of the kidney> b : either of two layers or laminae of white matter in the cerebrum: (1) : a layer that consists largely of fibers passing to and from the cerebral cortex and that lies internal to the lentiform nucleus—called also internal capsule (2) : one that lies between the lentiform nucleus and the claustrum—called also external capsule
2
: a shell usually of gelatin for packaging something (as a drug or vitamins); also : a usually medicinal or nutritional preparation for oral use consisting of the shell and its contents
3
: a viscous or gelatinous often polysaccharide envelope surrounding certain microscopic organisms (as the pneumococcus)
Illustration of CAPSULE
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