What are Serous Cells?
Serous cells are specialized cells that produce and secrete a watery, protein-rich fluid called serous fluid. This fluid is typically isotonic with blood plasma and plays various crucial roles in the body.
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Shape and Structure: Serous cells are pyramidal in shape, with a small, round nucleus located at the base of the cell. Their cytoplasm is rich in rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and Golgi apparatus, reflecting their high level of protein synthesis and secretion. The apical portion of the cell is packed with secretory granules containing the serous fluid. (Reference: In the glands, serous cells are pyramidal in shape and have small round nuclei in the basal region of the cell (Figure 2). Their supranuclear cytoplasm is rich in RER and Golgi apparatus. The apical portion of the cell contains numerous secretory granules (68).)
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Secretion: Serous cells produce a low-viscosity, protein-rich secretion, unlike mucous cells which produce mucin. In histological sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), the cytoplasm of serous acini (clusters of serous cells) stains pink. (Reference: Serous cells produce a low viscosity, protein-rich secretion; mucous cells produce mucin. In H&E stained sections, the cytoplasm of serous acini stain a pink-)
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Location: Serous cells are found in various glands throughout the body, including salivary glands, where they often form serous acini. They are also present in other glands such as the lacrimal glands (tear glands). In some glands, like the submandibular and sublingual glands, serous cells form crescent-shaped structures called serous demilunes, surrounding mucous acini. (References: The large representation of serous cells in human airway glands (serous cell volume 61 %; mucous cell volume 39%) (87, 88) shows that evolutionary…; Similarly, the sublingual gland has…; Unlike the parotid gland, the submandibular and sublingual glands possess both mucous and serous secretory…)
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Clinical Significance: Serous cell dysfunction or damage can lead to various clinical issues. For example, radiation therapy for head and neck cancers can cause damage to salivary and lacrimal glands' serous acinar cells, resulting in dry mouth (xerostomia) and dry eyes (xerophthalmia). (Reference: Xerostomia and xerophthalmia are common and potentially serious local side effects of radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Clinical observations supported…) Furthermore, serous cells are implicated in certain cancers, such as high-grade serous ovarian cancer, often originating in the fallopian tubes. (Reference: Doctors now think that most high grade serous ovarian cancers start in cells at the far end of the fallopian tube. Rather than the surface of the ovary. These…)
Examples of Serous Glands and their Functions
Serous glands and the serous fluid they produce are involved in various bodily functions:
- Salivary glands: Produce saliva, which aids in digestion and oral hygiene.
- Lacrimal glands: Produce tears, which lubricate and protect the eyes.
- Pancreas (exocrine portion): Produces digestive enzymes.
