Serous gland
Serous Gland
Serous glands (/ˈsɪərəs/; from Latin serosus, meaning "watery" or "serum-like") are a type of exocrine gland that produce and secrete a watery, protein-rich fluid known as serous fluid. This fluid is typically clear or slightly milky in appearance and is crucial for various bodily functions.
Anatomy
Serous glands are typically composed of cuboidal epithelial cells that are organized into spherical acini, or clusters. These cells contain a prominent, round nucleus and a cytoplasm filled with secretory granules. The glands are often surrounded by a thin layer of myoepithelial cells, which aid in the expulsion of the serous fluid from the gland.
Function
The primary function of serous glands is to produce and secrete serous fluid. This fluid serves several important roles in the body, including lubrication, protection against infection, and aiding in digestion. For example, the salivary glands in the mouth contain serous cells that produce a watery fluid which aids in the initial stages of digestion.
Clinical Significance
Dysfunction or disease of the serous glands can lead to a variety of medical conditions. For instance, Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the body's serous glands, particularly those producing tears and saliva. This can lead to symptoms such as dry mouth and dry eyes.
Related Terms
- Exocrine gland
- Serous fluid
- Cuboidal epithelial cells
- Myoepithelial cells
- Salivary glands
- Sjögren's syndrome
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Serous gland
- Wikipedia's article - Serous gland
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