Glands are organs that produce and release substances—like hormones, digestive juices, sweat, tears, saliva, or milk—into the bloodstream or other parts of the body. They are essential for numerous bodily functions.
Types of Glands
There are two main types of glands:
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Endocrine Glands: These glands release their substances directly into the bloodstream. Examples include the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, and adrenal glands. These substances, often hormones, travel throughout the body to regulate various processes. Definition of gland - NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
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Exocrine Glands: These glands release their substances into ducts, which then carry the secretions to the surface of the body or into internal organs. Examples include sweat glands, salivary glands, mammary glands, and lacrimal (tear) glands. Exocrine Glands: Function, Examples & Types These secretions serve diverse functions, such as lubricating, protecting, or aiding digestion.
Examples of Gland Functions and Locations:
- Pituitary Gland (Endocrine): Located in the brain, it controls many other endocrine glands and produces hormones that regulate growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Endocrine System: What It Is, Function, Organs & Diseases
- Sweat Glands (Exocrine): Found throughout the skin, they release sweat to regulate body temperature.
- Salivary Glands (Exocrine): Located in the mouth, they produce saliva to aid in digestion and lubrication.
- Mammary Glands (Exocrine): Found in breasts, they produce milk for nursing infants.
- Adrenal Glands (Endocrine): Located on top of the kidneys, they produce hormones that regulate blood pressure, stress response, and metabolism. Adrenal Gland Disorders | Addison's Disease | MedlinePlus
Lymph Nodes: While often referred to as lymph glands, lymph nodes are not technically glands in the same way as endocrine or exocrine glands. They are small bean-shaped structures that filter lymph fluid and play a crucial role in the immune system. They contain white blood cells that fight infection and disease. Lymph Nodes and Glands: Location, Function, Common Problems Lymph nodes | healthdirect
A gland is a group of cells that work together to create and release a product, whether that's a hormone directly into the bloodstream or another substance through a duct. Both types play vital roles in maintaining overall health and bodily functions. Physiology, Exocrine Gland - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
