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gland

A Dictionary of Biology | 2004 | © A Dictionary of Biology 2004, originally published by Oxford University Press 2004. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

gland A group of cells or a single cell in animals or plants that is specialized to secrete a specific substance. In animals there are two types of glands, both of which synthesize their secretions. Endocrine glands discharge their products directly into the blood vessels; exocrine glands secrete through a duct or network of ducts into a body cavity or onto the body surface. Secretory cells are characterized by having droplets (vesicles) containing their products. See also secretion.

In plants glands are specialized to secrete certain substances produced by the plant. The secretions may be retained within a single cell, secreted into a special cavity or duct, or secreted to the outside. Examples are the water glands (hydathodes) of certain leaves, nectaries (see nectar), and the digestive glands of certain carnivorous plants.

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Salivary Gland Tumors
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Exocrine Glands
Encyclopedia entry from: The Gale Encyclopedia of Science ...tissue to which the glands are attached. Gland cells communicate with...compounc ” gland. The secretory portions of simple glands can be straight tubular...merocrine (or eccrine) glands. Here, the gland cells produce their...
Glands
Encyclopedia entry from: The Gale Encyclopedia of Science ...into the duodenum. Other endocrine glands include the thyroid gland, the parathyroid glands, the testes and the ovaries, the thymus gland, and the pituitary gland. Other exocrine glands include the lachrymal glands, which...
gland
Book article from: The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition ...chemical substances. A gland may vary from a single...duct. The endocrine glands, e.g., the thyroid...as in the sebaceous glands of the skin and the digestive glands of the intestinal mucosa. A simple exocrine gland may consist only of...
Salivary Gland Scan
Encyclopedia entry from: Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, 3rd ed. Salivary Gland Scan Definition A salivary gland scan is a nuclear medicine...secretion in the salivary glands of a radioactively labeled...secretion shows if these glands are functioning normally. Purpose A salivary gland scan is done to help...

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