Question

Argentaffin cells are found in
a. Pancreas
b. Internal Ear
c. Gastric glands
d. Liver

Answer 1

Hint: The different physiological and biological activities in the living organisms are carried away by different types of cells. The cells make up the tissue system and organs and are specialized in performing a specific range of tasks.

Complete answer:
Argentaffin cells are the round or partially flattened cells that are found in the lining tissue of the digestive tract. They contain granules that are associated with secretory function. As they are present in the epithelial lining of the digestive tracts, they are epithelial cells. The Argentaffin cells are located randomly in the tube-like depressions of the gastric glands in the wall of the stomach. They are also found within the mucous membrane lining of the intestine. and in These cells are distributed throughout the digestive tract such as the stomach, small intestine and appendix.

These cells can reduce the silver salts to metallic silver (brownish-black) color without any reducing agent and hence, they are known as argentaffins or argentaffins cells. The Argentaffin cells have granules that contain a chemical known as serotonin. This chemical stimulates the smooth muscle contractions. Serotonin diffuses out of the argentaffin cells to be released into the digestive tract and stimulates the muscles to produce wavelike contractions which is known as the peristaltic motion. The peristaltic movements help in the movement of food through the intestinal tract.

Pancreas is located in the abdomen behind the stomach and functions both as an endocrine and a digestive exocrine organ. It is responsible for regulation of blood sugar levels through secretion of hormones like insulin, glucagon and somatostatin.

The innermost part of the vertebrate ear is known as the inner ear. The main function of the internal ear is detection of sound and balance.

The liver is an organ that is responsible for detoxification of various metabolites, proteins synthesis and produces several biochemicals that are necessary for digestion and growth. The specialized cells of liver are known as hepatocytes.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Note: The cells present in the gastric glands of the epithelial lining of the stomach and other parts of the digestive tract are known as argentaffin cells. These cells readily take up silver stains and are secretory in nature. The argentaffin cells are granular cells that secretes serotonin which is responsible for the peristaltic movement of the muscles of the digestive tract.