QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
This is incorrect. Phaeochromocytomas are catecholamine-secreting tumours of the chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla. By contrast, spongiocytes are located within the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex. This is responsible for the release of cortisol, and so whilst it may cause hypertension, it would not account for the other aspects of the clinical presentation and is not the location of a phaeochromocytoma.
10025957
c
Spongiocytes
QuestionChoice
This is incorrect. Phaeochromocytomas are catecholamine-secreting tumours of the chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla. By contrast, chief cells are located in the parathyroid gland and are responsible for the secretion of parathyroid hormone. This is not the location of a phaeochromocytoma.
10025959
e
Chief cells
QuestionChoice
This is correct. Hypertension, tachycardia, anxiety and sweating are all suggestive of high levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline. These hormones are secreted by the chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla. Tumours of the chromaffin cells are known as phaeochromocytomas and are an important differential in cases of resistant hypertension.
10025955
a
Chromaffin Cells
QuestionChoice
This is incorrect. Phaeochromocytomas are catecholamine-secreting tumours of the chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla. Whilst a tumour of the zoma glomerulosa would explain this patient's resistant hypertension (due to hyperaldosteronism), it would not explain the palpitations, sweating and tachycardia and is not the location of a phaeochromocytoma.
10025956
b
Zona glomerulosa cells
QuestionChoice
This is incorrect. Phaeochromocytomas are catecholamine-secreting tumours of the chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla. By contrast, the zona reticularis is responsible for the secretion of androgen precursors. A tumour of these cells would not give rise to the clinical presentation above and is not the location of a phaeochromocytoma.
10025958
d
Zona reticularis cells
Concept
Chapter
2693
5870
Adrenal medullary catecholamines
Topic
167
Endocrine physiology
17589
A 50 year old man presents to his GP with anxiety and palpitations. He has struggled for many years to control his hypertension, despite optimal medical management. He is otherwise fit and well with no other medical conditions.

On examination, his blood pressure reads at 180/94. He appears sweaty, with a heart rate of 120 beats per minute. The GP decides to refer him to secondary care, where he is diagnosed with a phaeochromocytoma.

Which of the following cell types make up a phaeochromocytoma?
a