CHROMAFFIN BODIES Meaning and
Definition
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Chromaffin bodies, also known as chromaffin granules or secretory granules, are specialized organelles found in the cells of the adrenal medulla and certain other tissues. These bodies play a crucial role in the production and release of hormones called catecholamines, which include epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline).
The term "chromaffin" refers to the cells' property of staining brown when treated with certain dyes due to the presence of these granules. The chromaffin bodies are round or oval-shaped and contain high concentrations of catecholamines, which are synthesized in the cytoplasm of the chromaffin cells and then stored within these granules until they are needed.
When stimulated by signals from the nervous system, the chromaffin bodies undergo exocytosis. This process involves the fusion of the granules' membranes with the cell membrane, leading to the release of catecholamines into the bloodstream. This release triggers various physiological responses, such as increased heart rate, heightened alertness, and the body's fight-or-flight response.
Chromaffin bodies are essential for proper adrenal function and maintaining homeostasis within the body. Dysregulation of their activity can result in various disorders, including pheochromocytomas, tumors that overproduce catecholamines, which often lead to high blood pressure, palpitations, and other symptoms.
In summary, chromaffin bodies are specialized organelles found in certain cells, primarily in the adrenal medulla. They store and release catecholamines, hormones that play a critical role in the body's stress response and energy regulation.
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Paraganglia, small, independent, encapsulated collections of c. tissue.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CHROMAFFIN BODIES
- chromaffinbodyes
- chromaffinnbodies
- c hromaffin bodies
- ch romaffin bodies
- chr omaffin bodies
- chro maffin bodies
- chrom affin bodies
- chroma ffin bodies
- chromaf fin bodies
- chromaff in bodies
- chromaffi n bodies
- chromaffin b odies
- chromaffin bo dies
- chromaffin bod ies
- chromaffin bodi es
- chromaffin bodie s
Etymology of CHROMAFFIN BODIES
The word "chromaffin" comes from two Latin roots: "chroma", meaning color, and "affinis", meaning related or connected to. The term "chromaffin" was coined to describe a specific type of cells found in the adrenal medulla and certain other tissues that have a distinctive ability to stain easily with certain dyes, causing them to appear colorful under a microscope. These cells contain granules that can be stained with chromic salts, which gives them their characteristic color. The word "bodies" simply refers to the physical structures or entities being described. So, "chromaffin bodies" collectively refers to the stained, colorful granules present in the chromaffin cells.
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