Giving a brownish yellow reaction with chromic salts; denoting certain cells in the medulla of the adrenal glands and in paraganglia. SYN: chromaphil, chromatophil (3), chromophil (3), chromophile, pheochrome (1). [chrom- + L. affinis, affinity]
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chro·maf·fin 'krō-mə-fən adj staining deeply with chromium salts <\chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla>
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n.
tissue in the medulla of the adrenal glands consisting of modified neural cells containing granules that are stained brown by chromates. Adrenaline and noradrenaline are released from the granules when the adrenal gland is stimulated by its sympathetic nerve supply. See also neurohormone.
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chro·maf·fin (kro-mafґin) [chromium- + L. affinis having affinity for] taking up and staining strongly with chromium salts; see chromaffin cells, under cell. Called also pheochrome.Medical dictionary. 2011.