SECRETORY GRANULES Meaning and
Definition
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Secretory granules, also known as secretory vesicles or storage granules, are specialized membrane-bound organelles found in cells that are involved in the process of exocytosis, the release of substances from the cell into the extracellular space. These granules are commonly found in secretory cells, which are responsible for synthesizing and releasing various substances such as hormones, enzymes, or neurotransmitters.
Secretory granules are formed through a complex process called granulogenesis, in which the cell packages and stores the substances it produces. The granules are typically spherical or elongated in shape and range in size from 50 to 500 nanometers. They are composed of a lipid membrane that surrounds the stored molecules, protecting them from degradation and maintaining their integrity until they are released.
The contents of secretory granules can vary depending on the type of cell. For example, in endocrine cells, they may contain hormones that are released into the bloodstream to regulate various physiological processes, while in neuronal cells, they may contain neurotransmitters that are released at synapses to facilitate communication between neurons.
The release of the contents of secretory granules occurs through the process of exocytosis. When the cell receives a signal, the granule membrane fuses with the plasma membrane, allowing the contents to be released into the extracellular space. This process is crucial for various physiological functions including the regulation of metabolism, growth, and communication between cells.
Common Misspellings for SECRETORY GRANULES
- aecretory granules
- zecretory granules
- xecretory granules
- decretory granules
- eecretory granules
- wecretory granules
- swcretory granules
- sscretory granules
- sdcretory granules
- srcretory granules
- s4cretory granules
- s3cretory granules
- sexretory granules
- sevretory granules
- sefretory granules
- sedretory granules
- seceetory granules
- secdetory granules
- secfetory granules
- sectetory granules
Etymology of SECRETORY GRANULES
The word "secretory" is derived from the Latin term "secretus", meaning "to separate" or "to secrete". The term "granules" is derived from the Latin word "granulum", meaning "small grain" or "seed".
When combined, "secretory granules" refers to small, membrane-bound vesicles found within cells that store various substances before their secretion into the extracellular environment. This term is commonly used in the context of cells that produce and release hormones, enzymes, or other bioactive molecules.
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