CHROMAFFIN CELL Meaning and
Definition
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A chromaffin cell refers to a specialized cell found in the adrenal medulla and the sympathetic ganglia. These neurosecretory cells play a crucial role in the production and release of hormone-like substances called catecholamines, mainly adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine).
Chromaffin cells are so named due to their ability to stain with chromium salts, exhibiting a yellowish-brown color when viewed under a light microscope. They are derived from neural crest cells during development and are considered to be modified neurons.
Functionally, chromaffin cells are classified as neuroendocrine cells since they exhibit characteristics of both neurons and endocrine cells. They are responsible for the synthesis and storage of catecholamines within vesicles, which are released into the bloodstream upon specific stimuli.
Under stressful conditions or during the fight-or-flight response, the activation of the sympathetic nervous system triggers the release of stored catecholamines from chromaffin cells. This hormonal cascade leads to increased heart rate, enhanced blood flow to muscles, elevated blood pressure, and heightened mental alertness, among other physiological responses.
Due to their diverse functions, chromaffin cells have been extensively studied in various medical disciplines. Research on chromaffin cells has contributed to advancements in understanding adrenal gland disorders, such as pheochromocytoma, as well as the development of treatments for conditions involving dysregulated catecholamine release, such as hypertension.
Common Misspellings for CHROMAFFIN CELL
- xhromaffin cell
- vhromaffin cell
- fhromaffin cell
- dhromaffin cell
- cgromaffin cell
- cbromaffin cell
- cnromaffin cell
- cjromaffin cell
- curomaffin cell
- cyromaffin cell
- cheomaffin cell
- chdomaffin cell
- chfomaffin cell
- chtomaffin cell
- ch5omaffin cell
- ch4omaffin cell
- chrimaffin cell
- chrkmaffin cell
- chrlmaffin cell
- chrpmaffin cell
Etymology of CHROMAFFIN CELL
The term "chromaffin cell" originates from the combination of two words: "chrom" and "affin".
1. Chrom: It is derived from the Greek word "khroma", meaning color. In the context of a chromaffin cell, "chrom" refers to the ability of the cell to stain with certain dyes, resulting in a colorful appearance.
2. Affin: It is short for "affinity", which refers to the attraction or affinity of certain substances to each other. In the case of chromaffin cells, these cells have specific affinity for certain dyes or color-changing substances.
Therefore, the word "chromaffin" describes the color-staining property or the affinity for staining of these specialized cells, particularly in reference to the characteristic color they exhibit when stained.
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