Glands

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Glands

Glands (/ɡlændz/) are a group of cells in an organism's body that synthesizes substances (such as hormones) for release into the bloodstream (endocrine glands) or into cavities inside the body or its outer surface (exocrine glands).

Etymology

The term "gland" has been derived from the Latin word 'glandula', which means acorn. It was first used in the 18th century to describe the shape of certain organs.

Types of Glands

There are two main types of glands in the human body: Endocrine glands and Exocrine glands.

Function of Glands

Glands perform a variety of functions in the body, from the production of hormones and enzymes to the secretion of fluids. The specific function of a gland depends on the type of gland and its location in the body.

Related Terms

  • Hormones - Chemical messengers produced by glands and transported by the bloodstream to different cells in the body.
  • Enzymes - Proteins that speed up chemical reactions in the body.
  • Ducts - Tubes that carry substances from glands to the target place.
  • Secretion - The process by which substances are produced and released from a cell, gland, or organ for a particular function in the organism or for excretion.

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