Glomus body

Glomus body is a type of arteriovenous anastomosis, or shunt, that is found in the dermis layer of the human skin. It is a specialized form of thermoregulation in mammals, including humans. The primary function of the glomus body is to control the body's temperature and blood pressure.

Etymology

The term "glomus" comes from the Latin word "glomus," which means "ball of yarn." This is a reference to the coiled, ball-like structure of the glomus body.

Structure

The glomus body is composed of an afferent arteriole, an anastomosis, and an efferent venule. The arteriole and the venule are connected by a series of small blood vessels, or capillaries, which form the anastomosis. The walls of these vessels are made up of smooth muscle cells and connective tissue, which allow the vessels to contract and expand as needed.

Function

The primary function of the glomus body is to regulate the body's temperature and blood pressure. When the body is cold, the smooth muscle cells in the walls of the glomus body contract, reducing the amount of blood that can flow through the vessels. This helps to conserve heat by reducing the amount of warm blood that is exposed to the cold. Conversely, when the body is warm, the smooth muscle cells relax, allowing more blood to flow through the vessels and helping to cool the body down.

The glomus body also plays a role in the regulation of blood pressure. By controlling the amount of blood that can flow through the vessels, the glomus body can help to maintain a stable blood pressure, even when the body is under stress.

Related Terms

• Arteriovenous anastomosis
• Dermis
• Thermoregulation
• Arteriole
• Anastomosis
• Venule
• Capillaries
• Smooth muscle
• Connective tissue