Composition
The carotid body is made up of two types of cells, called glomus cells: glomus type I (chief) cells, and glomus type II (sustentacular) cells.
- Glomus type I/chief cells are derived from neural crest, which, in turn are derived from neuroectoderm. They release a variety of neurotransmitters, including acetylcholine, ATP, and dopamine that trigger EPSPs in synapsed neurons leading to the respiratory center.
- Glomus type II/sustentacular cells resemble glia, express the glial marker S100 and act as supporting cells.
The carotid body contains the most vascular tissue in the human body. The thyroid gland is very vascular, but not quite as much as the carotid body.
Read more about this topic: Carotid Body
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