Kjertelceller

Kjertelceller, also known as glandular cells, are specialized cells found in multicellular organisms that are responsible for the production and secretion of various substances. These substances can include hormones, enzymes, mucus, sweat, and milk, among others. Kjertelceller are a fundamental component of glandular tissues, which are organized structures designed for secretion.

These cells are characterized by their abundant cytoplasm, which often contains well-developed endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, the cellular machinery involved in protein synthesis and modification, as well as vesicle formation for secretion. The specific type of secretion dictates the particular features of the kjertelceller. For example, cells producing protein-rich secretions typically have a basophilic cytoplasm due to the high concentration of ribosomes, while cells secreting lipids might appear foamy or clear due to the presence of lipid droplets.

Kjertelceller can exist as individual cells scattered within other tissues, such as in the lining of the digestive tract, or they can form organized glands. These glands can be simple, with a single duct, or complex, with a branched duct system. Glands are further classified based on their structure and the mode of secretion. Secretion can occur through exocytosis, where vesicles fuse with the cell membrane to release their contents, or in some cases, by the cell itself breaking down to release its products. The activity of kjertelceller is often regulated by hormonal or neural signals, ensuring that the appropriate substances are released at the right time and in the correct amounts.