GLOMUS CELL Meaning and
Definition
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A glomus cell, also referred to as a glomus body or glomus apparatus, is a specialized type of cell found predominantly in the dermis of the skin. It is particularly abundant in the fingertips and toes, where it plays a crucial role in regulating blood flow and temperature.
Glomus cells are considered a type of contractile myoepithelial cell and are characterized by their distinctive appearance. They are spindle-shaped and surrounded by an outer coat of smooth muscles. This muscular coat allows glomus cells to contract and relax, thereby regulating the diameter of the blood vessels that pass through them.
The primary function of glomus cells is to maintain thermal homeostasis. When exposed to cold temperatures, these cells constrict the surrounding blood vessels, effectively reducing blood flow to the extremities and conserving heat. Conversely, in response to warmth, glomus cells dilate the blood vessels, increasing blood flow and enhancing cooling.
Aside from temperature regulation, glomus cells are also involved in sensory perception. They contain numerous specialized nerve endings, known as chemoreceptors and thermoreceptors, which are responsible for detecting changes in chemical composition and temperature. These receptors transmit signals to the brain, allowing us to sense and respond to changes in the external environment.
In summary, glomus cells are specialized contractile cells found in the skin that regulate blood flow and assist in body temperature regulation. Their significance lies in their ability to constrict or dilate blood vessels and to detect and transmit sensory information.
Common Misspellings for GLOMUS CELL
- flomus cell
- vlomus cell
- blomus cell
- hlomus cell
- ylomus cell
- tlomus cell
- gkomus cell
- gpomus cell
- goomus cell
- glimus cell
- glkmus cell
- gllmus cell
- glpmus cell
- gl0mus cell
- gl9mus cell
- glonus cell
- glokus cell
- glojus cell
- glomys cell
- glomhs cell
Etymology of GLOMUS CELL
The word "glomus cell" is derived from the Latin word "glomus", which means "ball" or "small mass". It refers to a type of specialized cell found in the body that forms clusters or ball-like structures.
