Myoepithelial cell
Myoepithelial cells are specialized cells found in glandular tissue, particularly in the mammary gland, salivary gland, and sweat glands. These cells play a crucial role in the function of these glands by aiding in the expulsion of glandular secretions.
Structure[edit | edit source]
Myoepithelial cells are characterized by their unique structure, which combines features of both muscle cells and epithelial cells. They are typically located between the basement membrane and the secretory cells of the glandular epithelium. These cells have a stellate or spindle shape and contain actin and myosin filaments, which are essential for their contractile function.
Function[edit | edit source]
The primary function of myoepithelial cells is to contract and facilitate the expulsion of secretions from the glandular acini into the ducts. This process is particularly important in the mammary gland during lactation, where the contraction of myoepithelial cells helps in the ejection of milk.
Location[edit | edit source]
Myoepithelial cells are found in various exocrine glands, including:
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
Myoepithelial cells are significant in the diagnosis and study of various pathological conditions. They can be involved in the development of certain types of tumors, such as myoepitheliomas and adenoid cystic carcinomas. The presence or absence of myoepithelial cells can also be a diagnostic marker in distinguishing between benign and malignant glandular lesions.
Histology[edit | edit source]
In histological sections, myoepithelial cells can be identified by their location and their characteristic staining properties. They often stain positively for smooth muscle actin (SMA), calponin, and p63.
Research[edit | edit source]
Ongoing research is focused on understanding the role of myoepithelial cells in glandular development, function, and disease. Studies are also exploring their potential role in cancer progression and as targets for therapeutic intervention.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
 | This medical article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
