APICAL GLAND Meaning and
Definition
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An apical gland refers to a specialized structure found at the top or apex of an organism, particularly insects, invertebrates, and certain glandular tissues in mammals. This gland is characterized by its location, typically situated at the highest point or tip of an organ, tissue, or body part.
The apical gland has distinctive physiological and anatomical properties. It is responsible for secreting specific substances or hormones, which are crucial for various functions within the organism. The secretions released by the apical gland can play a vital role in regulating bodily processes, chemical communication, or defense mechanisms.
In insects, the apical gland is often found in their head region, specifically around the mouthparts or proboscis, and is involved in facilitating feeding, grooming, or even emitting chemical signals to communicate with others. In invertebrates, such as certain marine species, the apical gland can be responsible for producing adhesive substances that aid in attachment to surfaces or capturing prey.
In mammals, apical glands are found in various organs, such as the mammary glands, where they are crucial for lactation and milk production. In other glandular tissues, the apical glands can secrete specific enzymes, hormones, or other substances that serve essential functions for the overall health and well-being of the organism.
Overall, the apical gland plays a pivotal role in the proper functioning of different organisms, facilitating essential biological processes, communication, and protection.
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Anterior lingual g., glandula lingualis anterior.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for APICAL GLAND
- zpical gland
- spical gland
- wpical gland
- qpical gland
- aoical gland
- alical gland
- a-ical gland
- a0ical gland
- apucal gland
- apjcal gland
- apkcal gland
- apocal gland
- ap9cal gland
- ap8cal gland
- apixal gland
- apival gland
- apifal gland
- apidal gland
- apiczl gland
- apicsl gland
Etymology of APICAL GLAND
The term "apical gland" has its roots in Latin and Greek etymology.
The word "apical" is derived from the Latin word "apex", meaning "summit" or "peak". It indicates the top or highest point of something.
The term "gland" has its origins in the Greek word "glánda", which means "gland" or "acorn". It was originally used to describe the shape of a gland, which was thought to resemble an acorn.
Therefore, when combined, the term "apical gland" refers to a gland located at the top or highest point of something, typically relating to the anatomical or physiological structures in a living organism.
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