Columella

n.
  1. (Bot.) A term applied to various columnlike parts; as, the columella, or epipterygoid bone, in the skull of many lizards; the columella of the ear, the bony or cartilaginous rod connecting the tympanic membrane with the internal ear.
    1. An axis to which a carpel of a compound pistil may be attached, as in the case of the geranium; or which is left when a pod opens.
    2. A columnlike axis in the capsules of mosses.
    3. The upright pillar in the axis of most univalve shells.
    4. The central pillar or axis of the calicles of certain corals.