Chromaffin cells are neuroendocrine cells found in the medulla of the adrenal gland and in other ganglia of the sympathetic nervous system. They are derived from the embryonic neural crest. These cells are so-named because they can be visualized by staining with chromium salts.

Chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla are innervated by the splanchnic nerve and secrete adrenaline, noradrenaline, and enkephalin into the bloodstream. As such, they play an important role in the fight-or-flight response.

External links

• Secretion Control in Adrenal Chromaffin Cells
• UC-San Diego Chromaffin Cell and Hypertension Research

Neuroendocrine cells