Paraganglia

Synonyms

Chemoreceptors; Chromaffin bodies

Anatomy

The paraganglia consist of small endocrine cell complexes 0.3–3 mm in size that are surrounded by nerve fibers and capillaries.

The paraganglia of the head, neck, and chest area are called parasympathetic (branchiomeric, intravagal) paraganglia.

The paraganglia of the abdominal area are called sympathetic (para-aortic and visceral) paraganglia.

The distinction between chromaffin and non-chromaffin paraganglia is only partially justified, since the catecholamines responsible for a chromaffin reaction can be detected in a more or less concentrated form in all paraganglia.

The parasympathetic paraganglia are found along the vascular and nervous structures that emerged from the branchiomeric system (branchiomeric paraganglia: P. caroticum, P. tympanicum, jugulare, P. supraaortale, P. aortopulmonale) or the course of the peripheral vagus branches (P. intravagale).

The extraadrenal sympathetic paraganglia are found in the area of ​​the...