Gland


A group of cells that secrete a substance for use in the body. For example, the thyroid gland.

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  • Gland, adrenal

    One of a pair of small glands, each of which sits on top of one of the kidneys. The adrenal is made up of an outer wall (the cortex) and an inner portion (the medulla). The adrenal glands produce hormones that help control the heart rate, blood pressure, the way the body uses food, and […]

  • Gland, mammary

    One of the glands within the breast that secrete milk when prompted to do so by special hormones. Mammary glands are slightly tender to the touch, and may become more so during menstruation or pregnancy. They become enlarged when engorged with milk. See also mastitis.

  • Gland, prostate

    A gland within the male reproductive system that is located just below the bladder. Chestnut shaped, the prostate surrounds the beginning of the urethra, the canal that empties the bladder. The prostate is actually not one but many glands, 30-50 in number, between which is abundant tissue containing many bundles of smooth muscle. The secretion […]

  • Gland, pituitary

    The main endocrine gland. It is a small structure in the head and is called the master gland because it produces hormones that control other glands and many body functions including growth. The pituitary consists of the anterior and posterior pituitary. The anterior pituitary is the front portion of the pituitary. Hormones secreted by it […]

  • Gland, salivary

    One of the glands in the mouth that produce saliva. There are 3 major salivary glands. They are the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. Each of these glands is paired; there is one parotid gland on each side of the head, etc. The parotid glands are located in front of the ears; the submandibular glands […]


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