The liver is the largest gland in the human body. While other glands can become enlarged due to various conditions, the liver consistently holds the title of the largest.
Examples of Enlarged Glands:
Several glands can experience enlargement, a condition often indicated by the prefix "enlarged" or "hypertrophy." These include:
- Prostate gland: An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition in older men. MedlinePlus describes it as the prostate gland growing bigger than normal, though not due to cancer.
- Thyroid gland: A goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. This can result from various causes, including iodine deficiency, autoimmune disorders, and pregnancy-related hormonal changes. Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and Cleveland Clinic all describe goiter as an enlarged thyroid.
- Pituitary gland: While typically small, the pituitary gland can become enlarged, leading to conditions such as acromegaly if it overproduces growth hormone. Mayo Clinic details this condition.
It's crucial to remember that the term "large" in the context of glands is relative. While the liver is the largest overall, other glands can become significantly enlarged due to disease or other factors. Even small glands like the salivary glands exist in pairs, with three pairs of large salivary glands present in the mouth. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research points to these paired glands.
