Glands

Glands are a group of cells in an organism's body that synthesizes substances (such as hormones) for release into the bloodstream (endocrine gland) or into cavities inside the body or its outer surface (exocrine gland).

Types of Glands

There are two main types of glands: Endocrine glands and Exocrine glands.

Endocrine Glands

Endocrine glands are glands of the endocrine system that secrete their products, hormones, directly into the blood rather than through a duct. Examples of endocrine glands include the adrenal glands, pineal gland, thyroid gland, and the pituitary gland.

Exocrine Glands

Exocrine glands are glands that produce and secrete substances onto an epithelial surface by way of a duct. Examples of exocrine glands include sweat, salivary, mammary, ceruminous, lacrimal, sebaceous, and mucous.

Function of Glands

Glands secrete a wide variety of substances and play two primary roles: Some glands, like the thyroid gland, release hormones that affect almost every cell in the body. Others, like sweat and salivary glands, produce substances that reach the outside of the body.

Diseases Related to Glands

There are many diseases and conditions that can affect the glands, including diabetes, thyroid diseases, polycystic ovary syndrome, Addison's disease, and Cushing's syndrome.

See Also

• Endocrine system
• Exocrine system
• Hormones

References

Glands Resources
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