CHROMAFFIN TISSUE Meaning and
Definition
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Chromaffin tissue refers to a specialized type of tissue found in certain endocrine organs, predominantly the adrenal medulla and extra-adrenal paraganglia. It is composed of chromaffin cells, which are neuroendocrine cells that secrete hormones called catecholamines, including adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine).
The term "chromaffin" originates from the staining property of these cells when exposed to certain dyes, such as chrome salts, due to the presence of catecholamine granules within their cytoplasm. These granules contain the hormones and are responsible for the characteristic brownish discoloration of this tissue when stained.
Chromaffin tissue plays a vital role in the body's response to stress and in regulating various physiological processes. When stimulated, either by the central nervous system or by hormones such as acetylcholine, the chromaffin cells release adrenaline and noradrenaline into the bloodstream. These hormones act as neurotransmitters, affecting the function of numerous organs and tissues throughout the body. They increase heart rate and blood pressure, stimulate glucose release from the liver, dilate airways, and promote the breakdown of glycogen into glucose for energy.
The chromaffin tissue in the adrenal medulla is considered an essential component of the sympathetic nervous system, playing a key role in the "fight or flight" response. It helps prepare the body for intense physical activity or emergency situations by initiating a series of physiological changes that optimize performance and increase the chances of survival.
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A cellular tissue, vascular and well supplied with nerves, made up chiefly of c. cells; it is found abundantly in the medulla of the adrenals and, in smaller collections (c. bodies, paraganglia), in the carotic and coccygeal glands and elsewhere.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CHROMAFFIN TISSUE
- xhromaffin tissue
- vhromaffin tissue
- fhromaffin tissue
- dhromaffin tissue
- cgromaffin tissue
- cbromaffin tissue
- cnromaffin tissue
- cjromaffin tissue
- curomaffin tissue
- cyromaffin tissue
- cheomaffin tissue
- chdomaffin tissue
- chfomaffin tissue
- chtomaffin tissue
- ch5omaffin tissue
- ch4omaffin tissue
- chrimaffin tissue
- chrkmaffin tissue
- chrlmaffin tissue
- chrpmaffin tissue
Etymology of CHROMAFFIN TISSUE
The word "chromaffin" is derived from the Greek words "chroma" (χρῶμα) meaning "color" and "aphinein" (ἀφυήν) meaning "to show off". The term was coined by Friedrich Sigmund Merkel, a German anatomist, in 1875.
The "chromaffin tissue" refers to a group of cells found in the adrenal medulla, which is responsible for producing and secreting hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline. These cells contain pigments that can be stained with special dyes, hence the term "chromaffin". The tissue was named so because of its ability to display vibrant coloring under certain staining techniques.
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