Glomus tumor

Glomus coccygeum is a small, non-encapsulated cluster of chemoreceptor cells located in the coccyx region of the human body. It is part of the glomus body system, which includes other similar structures such as the glomus caroticum and glomus aorticum. These structures are involved in the regulation of respiration and blood pressure.

Structure and Function

The glomus coccygeum is composed of glomus cells, which are specialized neuroendocrine cells. These cells are capable of detecting changes in the concentration of certain chemicals in the blood, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, and responding by releasing neurotransmitters that can affect the function of nearby nerve cells.

The primary function of the glomus coccygeum is to help regulate respiration and blood pressure. It does this by monitoring the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. When these levels change, the glomus cells in the glomus coccygeum respond by releasing neurotransmitters that signal the brain to adjust the rate and depth of respiration and the force and rate of heart contractions.

Clinical Significance

Although the glomus coccygeum is a small structure, it can be affected by various medical conditions. For example, tumors can develop in the glomus coccygeum, leading to symptoms such as pain in the coccyx region, difficulty breathing, and changes in blood pressure. These tumors, known as glomus tumors, are rare but can be serious if not treated promptly.

In addition, the glomus coccygeum can be affected by conditions that cause changes in blood chemistry, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure. In these conditions, the ability of the glomus coccygeum to regulate respiration and blood pressure can be compromised, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath and high blood pressure.

See Also

• Glomus body
• Chemoreceptor
• Coccyx
• Glomus tumor

References

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  High magnification view of a glomus tumor
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  Closeup of glomus tumor extraction