Myoepithelial cell

Myoepithelial cells are contractile epithelial cells with characteristics of smooth muscle cells ( myo from Greek mys " muscle "). They come in a number of skin glands but also in the glands of the esophagus and respiratory tract before. In contrast to " normal" smooth muscle cells are ectodermal (and not mesodermal ) origin. Your contractile properties they obtained by the smooth muscle cytoskeleton similar to gap junctions. Myoepithelial cells are present in sweat and salivary glands, and the mammary gland. They are located between the basement membrane and the actual secretion- producing glandular epithelial cells and form the so called myoepithelium. Through their ability to contract, they support the secretion release from the Drüsenendstücken.

The myoepithelial cells of the sweat glands are also referred to as rod cells. They lie in the longitudinal direction, slightly spirally wound to the Drüsenendstücken. The myoepithelial cells of the salivary glands and mammary gland are branched and include the Drüsenendstücke basket-like, which is why they are also known as basket cells.

Myoepithelial cells of the afferent renal mesangial cells produce together with the renin, which intracellularly stored granules and is secreted when needed. Thus myoepithelial cells are also an important part of the juxtaglomerular apparatus.