What does the term fenestrated refer to?

The term fenestrated refers specifically to having openings or pores. In medical contexts, it is often used to describe structures such as certain types of blood vessels or membranes that possess small holes or perforations to allow for the passage of substances, such as fluids or gases. This characteristic is crucial in various bodily functions, including nutrient exchange and filtration processes. Thus, understanding that fenestrated means having openings provides insight into how certain physiological processes occur, distinguishing it from other terms that imply hollowness, sealing, or smoothness.