The medullary corpuscle is a structure found in the kidney, composed of immune cells and receptor cells. The spelling of this word, /məˈdʌləri kɔːrˈpʌsəl/, can be broken down phonetically. The first syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, followed by a stressed syllable with a long "u" sound. The "ll" in "medullary" is pronounced like a double "l" in Spanish, with a softer "l" at the end. "Corpuscle" is pronounced with first syllable being unstressed and second syllable being stressed, with a soft "s" sound at the end.
A medullary corpuscle, also known as a corpuscle of Medinazi, is a specialized structure found in the renal medulla, which constitutes the inner region of the kidney. It is primarily responsible for the regulation and reabsorption of water and electrolytes in the body.
These corpuscles are tiny, round-shaped clusters of cells located within the renal tubules, specifically in the collecting ducts and distal convoluted tubules. Comprising several different cell types, including principal cells, intercalated cells, and connecting tubule cells, medullary corpuscles are vital for maintaining the overall balance of fluid and solutes in the body.
The principal function of medullary corpuscles is to regulate the concentration of sodium, potassium, chloride, and water in the kidneys. They actively reabsorb essential electrolytes, such as sodium and chloride, while simultaneously excreting excess potassium ions. Additionally, they are involved in acid-base regulation by secreting hydrogen and bicarbonate ions.
The complex mechanisms within medullary corpuscles enable them to control the osmotic pressure gradient within the renal medulla, ensuring the appropriate concentration of solutes within the tubules. This ensures efficient water reabsorption and prevents excessive water loss through urine, leading to the production of concentrated urine.
Overall, medullary corpuscles play a critical role in maintaining electrolyte balance, regulating water reabsorption, and facilitating the excretion of waste products in the kidneys, thus contributing to the overall homeostasis of the body.
Odontoblast.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "medullary" comes from the Latin word "medulla", which means "marrow" or "pith". In anatomy, "medullary" generally refers to structures located in the center or core of an organ or body part.
The term "corpuscle" is derived from the Latin word "corpusculum", meaning a small body. It is used in anatomy to describe small, microscopic structures or cells found in different organs or tissues.
Therefore, the term "medullary corpuscle" refers to a small body or structure located in the core or center of a particular organ or tissue. In the context of anatomy, it specifically refers to a sensory structure found in the skin called the Pacinian corpuscle, which is responsible for detecting pressure and vibration.