What is organ of zuckerkandl?

The organ of Zuckerkandl is a vestigial endocrine gland located near the bifurcation of the aorta in the area of the renal arteries. It was first described by Emil Zuckerkandl, an Austrian anatomist, in 1901. The organ is also known as the "aortic body" or the "organ of unknown function."

The function of the organ of Zuckerkandl is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to have a role in regulating blood pressure and heart rate by secreting hormones that affect vascular tone and blood volume. The organ contains chromaffin cells, which are similar to those found in the adrenal medulla and secrete adrenaline and noradrenaline.

The organ of Zuckerkandl can sometimes be involved in certain medical conditions, such as tumors (known as paragangliomas) that can arise from the chromaffin cells. These tumors can be hormonally active and cause symptoms such as hypertension, palpitations, and sweating.

Overall, the organ of Zuckerkandl remains somewhat of a mystery in terms of its precise function, but research continues to uncover more about its potential role in the body's endocrine and cardiovascular systems.