Ectopic lamellar Pacinian corpuscle within the thymus. Atypical or abnormal location?
Ivan Varga1, Matej Nosál, Pavel Babál
1Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic; ivan.varga@fmed.uniba.sk.
Summary
Researchers discovered a Pacinian corpuscle, a type of sensory receptor, in the thymus of a newborn. This rare finding, termed an ectopic Pacinian corpuscle, may offer insights into developmental anomalies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Histology
Background:
- The Pacinian corpuscle is a sensory receptor typically found in the skin, functioning as a rapidly adapting mechanoreceptor.
- Its characteristic "onion skin"-like morphology is well-documented in cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues.
Observation:
- This study reports the histomorphological and immunohistochemical identification of a Pacinian corpuscle within the thymic interstitium of a newborn.
- This represents the first documented instance of a Pacinian corpuscle in the thymus.
Findings:
- The ectopic thymic Pacinian corpuscle exhibited a structure identical to those found in the skin.
- The presence of this corpuscle is hypothesized to result from impaired neural crest cell migration, which is crucial for thymus, heart, and Pacinian corpuscle development.
Implications:
- This case highlights the rare occurrence of ectopic Pacinian corpuscles in various organs.
- The findings suggest potential links between neural crest cell development and the presence of these sensory receptors in atypical locations.
- Further research is needed to understand the developmental mechanisms and potential functions of ectopic Pacinian corpuscles.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Primary Lymphoid Organs
14.3K
Primary lymphoid organs are pivotal in the formation, development, and maturation of lymphocytes, the white blood cells that serve as the backbone of our immune system. This crucial function underscores their fundamental role in maintaining our overall health and immunity. The two primary lymphoid organs of prime importance are the red bone marrow and the thymus.
The red bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue nestled in the interior of long bones such as the humerus and femur. It is the site...
The red bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue nestled in the interior of long bones such as the humerus and femur. It is the site...
14.3K
01:15Secondary Lymphoid Organs
8.6K
Secondary organs, including lymph nodes, the spleen, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), work harmoniously to protect us from disease and infection.
The spleen is a vital organ in the lymphatic system, nestled in the upper left side of the abdomen. It is composed of two primary regions: the red pulp and the white pulp, each having distinct functions. The red pulp performs a significant role in blood filtration. It efficiently purges the blood of old or damaged red blood cells and...
The spleen is a vital organ in the lymphatic system, nestled in the upper left side of the abdomen. It is composed of two primary regions: the red pulp and the white pulp, each having distinct functions. The red pulp performs a significant role in blood filtration. It efficiently purges the blood of old or damaged red blood cells and...
8.6K
01:11Papillary Dermis
5.2K
Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen...
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen...
5.2K
00:59The Parathyroid Glands
4.0K
The two pairs of parathyroid glands embedded within the posterior surface of the thyroid gland are restricted by a dense capsule around them. These glands comprise two distinct cell populations—parathyroid oxyphil and parathyroid principal cells- pivotal in calcium homeostasis.
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by...
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by...
4.0K
01:31Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation
1.2K
In assessing respiratory abnormalities, palpation and auscultation are critical tools for detecting and interpreting various pathophysiological changes. These techniques provide insight into underlying disorders by evaluating tactile sensations and sounds produced by the respiratory system.
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
1.2K
02:23Abnormal Proliferation
5.0K
Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the...
5.0K