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Flesh is anyaggregation ofsofttissues of anorganism. Variousmulticellular organisms have soft tissues that may be called "flesh". Inmammals, includinghumans,flesh encompassesmuscles,fats and otherloose connective tissues, but sometimes excluding non-muscularorgans (liver,lung,spleen,kidney) and typicallydiscarded parts (hardtendon,brain tissue,intestines, etc.). More generally, it may be considered the portions of the body that are soft and delicate.[1] In aculinary context, consumable animal flesh is calledmeat, while processed visceral tissues are known asoffal.
In particular animal groups such asvertebrates,molluscs andarthropods, the flesh is distinguished from tougher body structures such asbone,shell andscute, respectively.[2] Inplants, the "flesh" is the juicy, edible structures such as themesocarp offruits andmelons as well as softtubers,rhizomes andtaproots, as opposed to tougher structures likenuts andstems.[3] In fungi,flesh refers totrama, the soft, inner portion of amushroom, or fruit body.[4]
A more restrictive usage may be found in some contexts, such as thevisual arts, whereflesh may refer only to visibly exposed human skin, as opposed to parts of the body covered byclothing andhair.Flesh as a descriptor for colour usually refers to the non-melanated pale or pinkishskin colour ofwhite humans, however, it can also be used to refer to the colour of any human skin.
InChristian religious circles, the flesh is ametaphor associated withcarnality.[5]
{{cite book}}:ISBN / Date incompatibility (help)[F]lesh also has a metaphorical sense when it refers to our disposition to sin and to oppose or omit God in our lives.
