Glands are specialized cells or organs that produce and release substances the body needs. Their structure and method of secretion determine where their products go and how they reach their destination. This lesson introduces gland development, the main gland categories, secretion methods, and the clinical term adenosis.
A gland is a cell or organ that produces and secretes substances used by the organism. Products may enter the bloodstream, be released into a body cavity, or reach an outer body surface. Some glands also help remove unwanted substances, such as urine.
All flashcards
What is the basic function of a gland?
A gland produces and secretes substances that the organism needs. These substances may enter the bloodstream, a body cavity, or an outer body surface.
How do endocrine and exocrine glands differ?
Endocrine glands are ductless and release products toward the bloodstream. Exocrine glands send their products through ducts to an inner or outer body surface.
What distinguishes tubular from alveolar or saccular glands?
A tubular gland retains a tube-like secretory portion. An alveolar or saccular gland has an enlarged, sac-like secretory portion with a wider lumen.
How do merocrine, apocrine, and holocrine secretion differ?
Merocrine cells release products by exocytosis and remain intact; apocrine secretion involves loss of part of the cell; holocrine secretion releases products when the entire cell disintegrates.
What does adenosis mean?
Adenosis is a general term for a disease of a gland involving abnormal formation or development of glandular tissue.
Quiz questions
What is a gland?Answer: A cell or organ that produces and secretes substances needed by the organism.
How do endocrine glands release their products?Answer: Across the basal lamina into nearby spaces, then into the bloodstream.
What is the defining structural feature of a compound gland?Answer: Its epithelial cell column branches to form a branched glandular structure.
A gland releases its product by exocytosis while its secreting cells remain intact. Which secretion method is involved?Answer: Merocrine secretion, with cells remaining intact.
Which secretion method releases gland contents when the entire secreting cell disintegrates?Answer: Holocrine secretion, as in sebaceous glands.
Based on the Wikipedia article Gland, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.