glands Definition

a specialized cell, group of cells, or organ of endothelial origin that selectively removes materials from the blood, concentrates or alters them, and secretes them for further use in the body or for elimination from the body

any of various animal structures suggestive of glands though not secretory in function

any of various secreting organs (such as a nectary) of plants

a device for preventing leakage of fluid past a joint in machinery

the movable part of a stuffing box by which the packing is compressed

either of a pair of complex endocrine organs near the anterior medial border of the kidney consisting of a mesodermal cortex that produces glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid, and androgenic hormones and an ectodermal medulla that produces epinephrine and norepinephrine —called also adrenal, suprarenal gland

a gland and especially a sweat gland that secretes a viscous fluid into a hair follicle (as in the armpit or groin), is lined with a single layer of usually columnar cells, and typically does not become active until puberty

either of two oval racemose glands lying one to each side of the lower part of the vagina and secreting a lubricating mucus

cowper's gland

a gland secreting digestive enzymes

endocrine gland

any of the rather small sweat glands that discharge an odorless watery fluid onto the surface of the skin, play an important role in thermoregulation, and are widely distributed across the body with the most dense concentrations on the palms, soles, and forehead

a gland (such as the thyroid or the pituitary) that produces an endocrine secretion —called also ductless gland