Small masses of chromaffin cells found near the SYMPATHETIC GANGLIA along the ABDOMINAL AORTA, beginning cranial to the superior mesenteric artery (MESENTERIC ARTERY, SUPERIOR) or renal arteries and extending to the level of the aortic bifurcation or just beyond. They are also called the organs of Zuckerkandl and sometimes called aortic bodies (not to be confused with AORTIC BODIES in the THORAX). The para-aortic bodies are the dominant source of CATECHOLAMINES in the FETUS and normally regress after BIRTH.

Annotation

do not confuse with AORTIC BODIES

DUI

D010220 MeSH Browser

CUI

M0015849

History note

91(75); was see under CHROMAFFIN SYSTEM 1975-90

Online note

search CHROMAFFIN SYSTEM 1966-74

Public note

91; was see under CHROMAFFIN SYSTEM 1975-90