FOLLICULAR CELL Meaning and
Definition
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Follicular cells are specialized cells found in the thyroid gland, which is a crucial endocrine organ located in the neck. These cells are responsible for the synthesis, storage, and secretion of thyroid hormones, namely triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which play a pivotal role in maintaining various bodily functions.
The follicular cells are arranged in spherical clusters known as thyroid follicles, which constitute the functional units of the thyroid gland. Each follicular cell is cuboidal or columnar in shape and is surrounded by a basement membrane. These cells have numerous microvilli on their surface that increase their absorptive capacity and allow for the uptake of iodide from the bloodstream, an essential component necessary for thyroid hormone synthesis.
Within the follicular cells, iodide is converted into iodine, which is then coupled with a protein known as thyroglobulin to form thyroid hormones. The follicular cells actively transport iodine ions into the colloid, a gel-like substance filled with thyroglobulin, located in the center of the thyroid follicles. Following this, the follicular cells reabsorb the colloid-containing thyroglobulin via endocytosis and split it into individual thyroid hormones through enzymatic processes.
Upon stimulation by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) secreted by the hypothalamus and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) produced by the pituitary gland, the follicular cells increase their activity, resulting in the release of stored thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones then regulate metabolism, growth, development, body temperature, and energy production throughout the body.
Common Misspellings for FOLLICULAR CELL
- dollicular cell
- collicular cell
- vollicular cell
- gollicular cell
- tollicular cell
- rollicular cell
- fillicular cell
- fkllicular cell
- flllicular cell
- fpllicular cell
- f0llicular cell
- f9llicular cell
- foklicular cell
- foplicular cell
- foolicular cell
- folkicular cell
- folpicular cell
- foloicular cell
- follucular cell
- folljcular cell
Etymology of FOLLICULAR CELL
The word "follicular" derives from the Latin word "folliculus", which means "small bag or sac". In the context of biology and anatomy, "follicular" refers to a structure resembling a small bag or sac.
The term "cell" comes from the Latin word "cella", meaning "small room" or "storeroom". In biology, "cell" refers to the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.
When combined, "follicular cell" refers to the cells that make up a follicle. In the human body, follicular cells are found in various organs, particularly in the thyroid gland and the female reproductive system.
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