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gland1
—glandless, adj. —glandlike, adj./gland/, n.1. Anat.a. a cell, group of cells, or organ producing a secretion.b. any of various organs or structures resembling the shape but not the function of true glands.2. Bot. a secreting organ or structure.gland2/gland/, n. Mach.1. a sleeve within a stuffing box, fitted over a shaft or valve stem and tightened against compressible packing in such a way as to prevent leakage of fluid while allowing the shaft or stem to move; lantern ring.2. See stuffing box.[1830-40; orig. uncert.]
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ICollection of cells or tissue that removes specific substances from the blood, alters or concentrates them, and then either releases them for further use by the body or eliminates them.Typically, the functional cells of a gland rest on a membrane and are surrounded by a meshwork of blood vessels. Endocrine, or ductless, glands (e.g., pituitary, thyroid, adrenal) discharge hormones into the bloodstream directly rather than through ducts (see endocrine system). Exocrine glands (e.g., digestive, mammary, salivary, sweat) discharge their products through ducts.II(as used in expressions)suprarenal glandlachrymal duct and gland* * *
▪ biologycell or tissue that removes specific substances from the blood, alters or concentrates them, and then either releases them for further use or eliminates them. Typically, a gland consists of either cuboidal or columnar epithelium resting on a basement membrane and is surrounded by a plexus, or meshwork, of blood vessels. Endocrine (endocrine system), or ductless, glands (e.g., pituitary, thyroid, adrenal) secrete substances known as hormones directly into the bloodstream rather than through ducts. Exocrine glands (e.g., salivary, sweat, digestive) discharge their products through ducts.* * *
Universalium. 2010.
