The Interstitial cell of Cajal (ICC) is a type of interstitial cell found in the gastrointestinal tract that serves as a pacemaker which creates the basal electrical rhythm leading to contraction of the smooth muscle (peristalsis & Segmentation).
Many types of smooth muscle tissues have now been shown to contain ICC, but with few exceptions the function of these cells is not known and is currently an area of active research. An international society (International Society for ICC, www.isicc.org) has recently been formed to provide a forum to discuss research in ICC in a variety of tissues.
These cells are derived from mesoderm.
Read more about Interstitial Cell Of Cajal: Role in Slow Wave Activity, Frequency of ICC Pacemaker Cells, Pathology, Eponym
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