Chromophobe cell

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Chromophobe Cell

Chromophobe cells (pronounced: kroh-muh-fohb sel) are a type of cell found in the anterior pituitary gland. The term "chromophobe" is derived from the Greek words "chroma" meaning color and "phobos" meaning fear, indicating these cells' characteristic lack of staining affinity.

Etymology

The term "chromophobe" comes from the Greek words "chroma" (χρώμα), meaning "color", and "phobos" (φόβος), meaning "fear". This name was given due to the cells' lack of affinity for standard histological stains, a property which makes them appear relatively colorless compared to the more intensely stained acidophilic cells and basophilic cells of the pituitary gland.

Function

Chromophobe cells are thought to be functionally inactive, but some may represent stem cells or be cells that have degranulated. They are larger than other pituitary cells and have a pale cytoplasm due to the presence of few secretory granules.

Related Terms

  • Anterior pituitary gland: The part of the pituitary gland where chromophobe cells are located.
  • Acidophilic cells: A type of cell in the pituitary gland that stains readily with acid dyes.
  • Basophilic cells: A type of cell in the pituitary gland that stains readily with basic dyes.
  • Stem cells: Undifferentiated cells capable of giving rise to more cells of the same type.
  • Cytoplasm: The material within a living cell, excluding the nucleus.
  • Secretory granules: Vesicles that store hormones in preparation for their secretion.

External links

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