CHROMAFFIN GRANULES Meaning and
Definition
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Chromaffin granules are membrane-bound organelles found primarily in the adrenal medulla and certain cells of the sympathetic nervous system. They store and release a combination of hormones and neurotransmitters, particularly catecholamines such as adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine).
These granules are derived from the Golgi apparatus and contain high concentrations of these neurotransmitters, as well as enzymes involved in their synthesis like phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT). Chromaffin granules serve as a reservoir for these chemicals, allowing for their rapid release when triggered by various stimuli, such as stress or sympathetic nervous system activation.
The term "chromaffin" refers to the characteristic property of these granules to stain darkly with certain dyes. This property is attributed to the presence of the catecholamines, which have distinct chemical structures that react with these dyes.
Chromaffin granules are crucial for maintaining physiological responses to stress and other stimuli. Upon release, the catecholamines they contain facilitate the fight-or-flight response, leading to increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and heightened alertness. They also play a role in regulating metabolism, modulating pain perception, and influencing immune responses.
Due to their involvement in various physiological processes, dysregulation of chromaffin granule release or function can contribute to disorders such as hypertension, panic disorder, and certain tumors, such as pheochromocytomas.
Common Misspellings for CHROMAFFIN GRANULES
- xhromaffin granules
- vhromaffin granules
- fhromaffin granules
- dhromaffin granules
- cgromaffin granules
- cbromaffin granules
- cnromaffin granules
- cjromaffin granules
- curomaffin granules
- cyromaffin granules
- cheomaffin granules
- chdomaffin granules
- chfomaffin granules
- chtomaffin granules
- ch5omaffin granules
- ch4omaffin granules
- chrimaffin granules
- chrkmaffin granules
- chrlmaffin granules
- chrpmaffin granules
Etymology of CHROMAFFIN GRANULES
The word "chromaffin" comes from the Greek words "chroma" meaning color and "aphine" meaning to secrete. "Granules" comes from the Latin word "granulum" meaning small grain. In the context of biology, chromaffin granules are small granular structures that contain and secrete various hormones and neurotransmitters, such as adrenaline and noradrenaline, which are responsible for the coloration of certain cells.
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