Ceruminous glands
Ceruminous Glands
Ceruminous glands (/sɛˈruːmɪnəs/; from Latin cerumen, meaning "earwax") are specialized sudoriferous glands (sweat glands) located subcutaneously in the external auditory canal. They are classified as apocrine glands.
Etymology
The term "ceruminous" is derived from the Latin word cerumen, which translates to "earwax". This is a direct reference to the function of these glands, which is the production of a waxy secretion known as cerumen or earwax.
Function
Ceruminous glands are responsible for the production of cerumen, a waxy substance that helps to protect the ear from dust, foreign particles, and microorganisms, as well as to lubricate the ear canal and prevent it from becoming too dry.
Anatomy
Ceruminous glands are found in the skin of the human ear canal where they secrete cerumen into the canal. They are coiled, tubular glands made up of an inner secretory layer of cells and an outer myoepithelial layer of cells.
Related Terms
- Apocrine sweat gland: A type of sweat gland that is associated with hair follicles, similar to ceruminous glands.
- Sebaceous gland: A type of gland in the skin that secretes an oily substance called sebum, which is different from the waxy substance secreted by ceruminous glands.
- Cerumen: The waxy substance produced by ceruminous glands, also known as earwax.
- Ear canal: The tube-like structure in the ear where ceruminous glands are located.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ceruminous glands
- Wikipedia's article - Ceruminous glands
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