What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vesicle
Example
The vesicles on my hand are itchy and painful. [vesicles: noun]
Example
The alveolar epithelium is composed of thin, flat cells with vesicles. [vesicles: noun]
Example
The Golgi apparatus is responsible for packaging proteins into vesicles. [vesicles: noun]
cyst
Example
The doctor found a cyst on my ovary during the ultrasound. [cyst: noun]
Example
Sebaceous cysts can develop on the skin due to blocked oil glands. [cysts: noun]
Example
A ganglion cyst is a common type of cyst that forms on the wrist or hand. [cyst: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cyst is more commonly used than vesicle in everyday language, especially in medical contexts. Cyst is a well-known term that refers to a variety of abnormal growths or lumps that can occur in different parts of the body. Vesicle is less common and often used in scientific or technical contexts to describe small sac-like structures in cells or tissues.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vesicle and cyst?
Vesicle and cyst are both formal terms that are commonly used in medical or scientific contexts. However, cyst is more versatile and can also be used in informal language to refer to any type of abnormal growth or lump in the body.