What cells produce catecholamines in the adrenal gland and where are they located?

What cells produce catecholamines in the adrenal gland and where are they located?

• A. Cortical cells in the adrenal cortex
• B. Adrenal medulla ganglion cells
• C. Adrenal capsule cells
• D. Chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla

Answer: (D)

Catecholamines are produced by chromaffin cells located in the adrenal medulla. The adrenal gland has an outer cortex and an inner medulla; the cortex makes steroid hormones (like cortisol and aldosterone), not catecholamines, while the medulla houses chromaffin cells. These cells are derived from neural crest and act as modified sympathetic neurons, receiving strong preganglionic innervation and releasing epinephrine and norepinephrine directly into the bloodstream. The adrenal capsule is just connective tissue encasing the gland and does not produce catecholamines.

Catecholamines are produced by chromaffin cells located in the adrenal medulla. The adrenal gland has an outer cortex and an inner medulla; the cortex makes steroid hormones (like cortisol and aldosterone), not catecholamines, while the medulla houses chromaffin cells. These cells are derived from neural crest and act as modified sympathetic neurons, receiving strong preganglionic innervation and releasing epinephrine and norepinephrine directly into the bloodstream. The adrenal capsule is just connective tissue encasing the gland and does not produce catecholamines.