SECRETORY GRANULE Meaning and
Definition
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A secretory granule refers to a membrane-bound vesicle that is present within the cytoplasm of various types of cells, primarily in glandular and endocrine cells. These granules are involved in the synthesis, storage, and subsequent release of various substances such as hormones, enzymes, neurotransmitters, and other bioactive molecules.
Secretory granules are typically spherical or ellipsoidal in shape and range in diameter from 50 nanometers to a few micrometers. They are formed in the Golgi apparatus, which packages and modifies molecules for secretion, through a process known as granulation or condensation. During this process, the molecules to be secreted are enclosed within the granule's membrane.
These granules store their contents until a specific signal triggers their release into the extracellular space by exocytosis. The release can occur as a response to various stimuli, including changes in calcium concentrations or specific hormonal signals. Once released, the granules fuse with the plasma membrane, allowing their contents to be released and transported to their target sites in the body.
Beyond their role in secretion, secretory granules also play a crucial role in cell-to-cell communication, as they act as carriers for various signaling molecules. Their release allows for precise and highly regulated delivery of these bioactive substances, influencing a wide range of physiological processes throughout the body, including metabolism, growth, development, immune response, and neurotransmission.
Common Misspellings for SECRETORY GRANULE
- aecretory granule
- zecretory granule
- xecretory granule
- decretory granule
- eecretory granule
- wecretory granule
- swcretory granule
- sscretory granule
- sdcretory granule
- srcretory granule
- s4cretory granule
- s3cretory granule
- sexretory granule
- sevretory granule
- sefretory granule
- sedretory granule
- seceetory granule
- secdetory granule
- secfetory granule
- sectetory granule
Etymology of SECRETORY GRANULE
The etymology of the word "secretory granule" can be broken down as follows:
1. Secretory: The term "secretory" comes from the Latin word "secretus", which means "separated" or "kept apart". It refers to the process of secretion, which is the release of substances from cells or glands.
2. Granule: The term "granule" is derived from the Latin word "granulum", which means "small grain". It refers to a small particle or tiny structure found within cells.
Therefore, "secretory granule" literally means a small granular structure involved in secretory processes, where substances are separated and released from cells.
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