How Do You Spell GLAND?

Pronunciation: [ɡlˈand] (IPA)

The word "gland" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /ɡlænd/. It contains two consonant sounds, represented by "g" and "l," and a single vowel sound, represented by "a," which is pronounced as a short "æ" sound. The ending "nd" is pronounced as a blend of the two consonant sounds, making a nasal "n" sound followed by a quick "d" sound. This word can refer to a small organ in the body that produces and secretes chemicals or to a device that holds and dispenses fluid.

GLAND Meaning and Definition

  1. A gland is a specialized organ or group of cells in the body that produces and releases certain substances, known as secretions, into the bloodstream or specific areas in the body. These secretions serve various functions including regulating bodily functions, maintaining homeostasis, and facilitating communication between different systems within the body.

    Glands are classified into two main types based on their mode of secretion: exocrine glands and endocrine glands. Exocrine glands secrete their products through ducts into body cavities, such as the digestive system or the skin, while endocrine glands release their secretions directly into the bloodstream.

    In terms of their structure, glands can be unicellular or multicellular. Unicellular glands are made up of single cells, such as goblet cells in the respiratory tract that secrete mucus. Multicellular glands, on the other hand, consist of clusters or groups of glandular epithelial cells that work collectively.

    Glands are found throughout the human body and can differ in size, shape, and function. Some common examples of glands include the salivary glands, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, and adrenal glands. Each gland may produce distinct secretions that play a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, such as digestion, metabolism, reproduction, and immune response.

    Overall, glands play a fundamental role in maintaining the overall health and functioning of the body by producing and releasing essential substances for systemic balance and integration.

  2. A secreting organ. The secretion may be poured out upon the surface or into a cavity, or it may be at once taken into the blood without appearing externally; it may be of service to the economy, in digestion, as a lubricant, etc., or it may be purely excrementitious, removing waste and poisonous material from the body. For the glands not defined here, see under glandula.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. One of the soft fleshy organs of the body, which either secrete or absorb certain fluids from the blood; a similar combination of ducts or vessels in plants.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for GLAND

Etymology of GLAND

The word "gland" is derived from the Latin word "glandula", which means "acorn" or "small rounded object". The Romans used this term to describe certain organs in the body that resembled the shape of an acorn or small rounded object, such as the lymph nodes or salivary glands. Over time, the term "glandula" came to be used more broadly to refer to various types of secretory organs in the body, and eventually, it evolved into the modern English word "gland".

Similar spelling words for GLAND

Plural form of GLAND is GLANDS

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