Glomus cells are derived from –
**Core Concept**
Glomus cells are specialized sensory cells found in the glomus bodies of the aortic and carotid bodies, which are crucial for detecting changes in oxygen levels in the arterial blood. These cells play a vital role in the regulation of breathing and blood pressure. The derivation of glomus cells from a specific embryological origin is essential for understanding their function and development.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Glomus cells are derived from the neural crest, a group of cells that migrate from the dorsal neural tube during embryonic development. This neural crest-derived origin is crucial for the development of the glomus bodies and the subsequent function of glomus cells in detecting oxygen levels. The neural crest gives rise to various cell types, including neurons, glial cells, and melanocytes, which are all essential for the development of the nervous system and other tissues.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect as it does not accurately represent the embryological origin of glomus cells. While the exact derivation of glomus cells is still a topic of research, the current consensus is that they are derived from the neural crest.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect as it suggests a derivation from the mesoderm, which is not supported by current scientific evidence. The mesoderm gives rise to various cell types, including muscle cells, bone cells, and connective tissue cells, but not glomus cells.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect as it suggests a derivation from the ectoderm, which is also not supported by current scientific evidence. The ectoderm gives rise to various cell types, including skin cells, hair cells, and nerve cells, but not glomus cells.
**Option D:** This option is incorrect as it is incomplete and does not accurately represent the correct derivation of glomus cells.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It is essential to remember that glomus cells are derived from the neural crest, which is also the origin of other sensory cells, including those found in the enteric nervous system and the autonomic nervous system. Understanding the embryological origin of glomus cells can provide valuable insights into their function and development.
**Correct Answer:** C.