Chromaffin cells

Chromaffin cells are neuroendocrine cells, chiefly in the adrenal medulla, that store catecholamines and release them into the bloodstream when stimulated by sympathetic nerves.

Splanchnic nerves: Nerves that carry preganglionic sympathetic fibers to abdominal organs, including the adrenal medulla. Their acetylcholine signals directly stimulate chromaffin-cell secretion.
Neural crest: A transient embryonic cell population that gives rise to diverse peripheral nervous system and other cell types. Chromaffin cells develop from neural crest-derived progenitors.
Adrenal medulla: The inner region of the adrenal gland, composed mainly of catecholamine-secreting chromaffin cells. It is the principal location of chromaffin cells in mammals.
Embryonic development of the adrenal gland: The formation of adrenal cortical and medullary tissues from distinct embryonic cell lineages. It traces how neural crest-derived precursors become adrenal chromaffin cells.
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor: A ligand-gated ion channel activated by acetylcholine and related agonists. These receptors convert splanchnic nerve signals into chromaffin-cell depolarization.
Sympathetic nervous system: The division of the autonomic nervous system that coordinates many rapid responses to stress and exertion. Chromaffin cells function as a hormone-releasing extension of sympathetic output.
Adrenaline: A catecholamine hormone and neurotransmitter that helps coordinate rapid responses to stress. It is a major product released by adrenal chromaffin cells.
Sympathoadrenal progenitor: A developing neural crest-derived precursor capable of producing sympathetic neurons and adrenal chromaffin cells. This shared precursor helps explain the close developmental relationship between the two cell types.
Voltage-gated calcium channel: A membrane channel that opens in response to depolarization and allows calcium ions to enter a cell. Calcium entry triggers catecholamine-containing vesicles to fuse with the cell membrane.
Catecholamine: A class of molecules derived from tyrosine that includes dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline. Adrenaline and noradrenaline are the principal hormones stored by adrenal chromaffin cells.

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