Overview
Steroids are a second major type of hormone. Steroid-secreting cells are common in the adrenal gland, ovary and testis. Steroid hormones are derived from cholesterol, so these cells are filled with lipid droplets, giving the cells a frothy appearance. Adrenal cortex 1000x
Steroid-secreting cells >
Steroid-secreting cells are usually spherical with a central nucleus. These cells are filled with lipid droplets, producing a frothy appearance to the cytoplasm. These cells are rich in SER and possess mitochondria with tubular cristae to aid in the production of the steroid hormones.
- Lipid droplets
Steroid-secreting cells are usually spherical with a central nucleus. These cells are filled with lipid droplets, producing a frothy appearance to the cytoplasm. These cells are rich in SER and possess mitochondria with tubular cristae to aid in the production of the steroid hormones.
Fenestrated capillaries >
Like peptide-secreting organs, steroid-secreting organs also possess fenestrated capillaries. In the adrenal gland, shown here, these capillaries have a wide diameter.
- Red blood cells
Like peptide-secreting organs, steroid-secreting organs also possess fenestrated capillaries. In the adrenal gland, shown here, these capillaries have a wide diameter.
PREVIOUS