CHROMAFFIN CELLS Meaning and
Definition
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Chromaffin cells are specialized neuroendocrine cells found in the adrenal medulla and in certain other sites throughout the body. These cells derive from the embryonic neural crest and are responsible for synthesizing and releasing catecholamine hormones, particularly adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine), into the bloodstream in response to stress or specific stimuli.
The term "chromaffin" originates from the ability of these cells to be stained or exhibit a distinctive color when treated with certain dyes, due to the presence of granules containing the catecholamines. These granules are responsible for the efficient storage and subsequent release of the hormones.
Chromaffin cells play a crucial role in the body's physiological response to stress. When stimulated, these cells release catecholamines into the bloodstream, triggering a series of physiological changes that prepare the body for the "fight-or-flight" response. These hormonal responses include increased heart rate, dilation of bronchial airways, heightened blood pressure, and enhanced metabolism, among others.
In addition to their presence in the adrenal medulla, chromaffin cells can also be found in dispersed clusters called paraganglia alongside blood vessels and nerves. These paraganglia are commonly located near the sympathetic ganglia, and their chromaffin cells assist in modulating the autonomic response, particularly in the context of regulating blood pressure and blood flow.
Understanding the function and regulation of chromaffin cells is important in the field of endocrinology and neurobiology, as abnormalities in their activity have been associated with various disorders, such as pheochromocytoma, a tumor derived from chromaffin cells that results in excessive release of catecholamines.
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Homogeneous pigment cells, of sympathetic histogenesis, staining a yellow or yellowish brown in the presence of chromic salts; they occur in larger or smaller groups along the sympathetic nerves, in various organs (in the form of paraganglia), and in the adrenal medulla.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CHROMAFFIN CELLS
- chroomaffin cell
- Chromaffyn Cell
- xhromaffin cells
- vhromaffin cells
- fhromaffin cells
- dhromaffin cells
- cgromaffin cells
- cbromaffin cells
- cnromaffin cells
- cjromaffin cells
- curomaffin cells
- cyromaffin cells
- cheomaffin cells
- chdomaffin cells
- chfomaffin cells
- chtomaffin cells
- ch5omaffin cells
- ch4omaffin cells
- chrimaffin cells
- chrkmaffin cells
Etymology of CHROMAFFIN CELLS
The word "chromaffin" has its roots in two Latin words: "chroma", meaning color, and "affinis", meaning affinity or related to. "Chroma" refers to the characteristic coloration of these cells when exposed to certain dyes, while "affinis" suggests their close association with other structures or substances. Thus, the term "chromaffin cells" was coined to describe a type of cells that possess an affinity for certain dyes and are closely associated with the adrenal medulla, a part of the adrenal gland where these cells are primarily found.
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