PARAGANGLIA Meaning and
Definition
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Paraganglia is a term primarily used in the field of anatomy to refer to clusters or groups of specialized neuroendocrine cells that are found throughout the body. These cells are derived from the neural crest during embryonic development and are typically associated with the autonomic nervous system.
Paraganglia are composed of chromaffin cells, which are responsible for producing and releasing various hormones, such as catecholamines like adrenaline and noradrenaline. These hormones play a critical role in regulating physiological processes like blood pressure, heart rate, and metabolism.
There are two main types of paraganglia: sympathetic and parasympathetic. Sympathetic paraganglia are situated along the sympathetic nervous system and typically found alongside blood vessels, especially in the abdomen and pelvis. They help regulate the body's response to stress and are involved in the fight-or-flight response. Parasympathetic paraganglia, on the other hand, are associated with the parasympathetic nervous system and are primarily located near organs like the head and neck region. They are involved in regulating processes like digestion and rest.
The functionality and importance of paraganglia in maintaining homeostasis and proper bodily function make them an essential area of study for researchers and medical professionals. Their dysfunction or tumors can lead to various disorders, including hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and neuroendocrine tumors known as paragangliomas.
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1. Chromaffin bodies, roundish or oval bodies, with connective-tissue capsule, forming independent groups of chromaffin tissue in various organs and parts of the body, performing probably the same function as the medulla of the adrenal body. 2. Groups of medullary cells in the adrenal bodies.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PARAGANGLIA
- oaraganglia
- laraganglia
- -araganglia
- 0araganglia
- pzraganglia
- psraganglia
- pwraganglia
- pqraganglia
- paeaganglia
- padaganglia
- pafaganglia
- pataganglia
- pa5aganglia
- pa4aganglia
- parzganglia
- parsganglia
- parwganglia
- parqganglia
- parafanglia
- paravanglia
Etymology of PARAGANGLIA
The word "paraganglia" is derived from Greek roots.
- "Para-" is a prefix in Greek meaning "beside" or "beyond". It can also convey the idea of "near" or "adjacent to".
- "Ganglia" is the plural form of "ganglion", which is a Greek word referring to a "knot" or "swelling". In anatomy, it primarily denotes a mass of nerve cells.
Therefore, "paraganglia" literally translates to "near" or "adjacent" ganglia. It is a term used in medicine to describe specialized groups of cells located near certain nerves, usually associated with the autonomic nervous system.
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