Where is Paraganglia located?
Chromaffin paraganglia (also called chromaffin bodies) are connected with the ganglia of the sympathetic trunk and the ganglia of the celiac, renal, adrenal, aortic and hypogastric plexuses. They are concentrated near the adrenal glands and essentially function the same way as the adrenal medulla.
What is zuckerkandl organ?
The organ of Zuckerkandl is a chromaffin body derived from neural crest located at the bifurcation of the aorta or at the origin of the inferior mesenteric artery. It can be the source of a paraganglioma.
What is a chromaffin cell?
A type of cell that makes neurohormones (chemicals that are made by nerve cells and used to send signals to other cells) and releases them into the blood. Chromaffin cells make epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline). They are found in the adrenal glands or in groups of nerve cells called ganglia.
What is the function of paraganglia?
A collection of cells that came from embryonic nervous tissue, and are found near the adrenal glands and some blood vessels and nerves. Most paraganglia secrete epinephrine and norepinephrine.
What are Paragangliomas?
Paraganglioma is a type of neuroendocrine tumor that forms near certain blood vessels and nerves outside of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are important for making hormones that control many functions in the body and are located on top of the kidneys.
What is Zellballen pattern?
A zellballen is a small nest of chromaffin cells or chief cells with pale eosinophilic staining. Zellballen are separated into groups by segmenting bands of fibrovascular stroma, and are surrounded by supporting sustentacular cells. A zellballen pattern is diagnostic for paraganglioma or pheochromocytoma.
What is zuckerkandl tubercle?
Background. Zuckerkandl tubercle (ZT) is a lateral projection from the lateral thyroid lobe which is a constant landmark for finding the recurrent laryngeal nerve during thyroid surgery. It is the condensed thyroid parenchyma located in the cricothyroid junction.
What are catecholamines function?
Catecholamines help the body respond to stress or fright and prepare the body for “fight-or-flight” reactions. The adrenal glands make large amounts of catecholamines as a reaction to stress. The main catecholamines are epinephrine (adrenaline), norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and dopamine.
What is a Chromaffin reaction?
The freshly cut tumor surface turns dark brown (right half of image) when immersed in potassium dichromate solution (pH between 5 and 6). This is due to oxidation of stored catecholamines synthesized by the tumor and is known as the Chromaffin Reaction.
How is a paraganglioma removed?
Surgery. Surgery is used to remove the paraganglioma. Even if the paraganglioma can’t be removed completely, your doctor may recommend an operation to remove as much as possible. If your paraganglioma produces excess hormones, you may need to take medications before surgery to control the hormones.
Is a paraganglioma serious?
Paraganglioma are found in 2 out of every million people each year and is the cause of high blood pressure in less than 0.2% of people with high blood pressure. However, because paraganglioma release adrenaline in uncontrolled bursts, they can cause serious health problems like stroke, heart attacks, and even death.
