Gland
| Gland | |
|---|---|
Human submandibular gland. At the right is a group of mucous acini, at the left a group of serous acini. | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | glandula |
| TH | H2.00.02.0.02002 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
A gland is a cell or an organ in an animal's body that produces and secretes different substances that the organism needs, either into the bloodstream or into a body cavity or outer surface. A gland may also function to remove unwanted substances such as urine from the body.
There are two types of gland, each with a different method of secretion. Endocrine glands are ductless and secrete their products, hormones, directly into interstitial spaces to be taken up into the bloodstream. Exocrine glands secrete their products through a duct into a body cavity or outer surface.
Glands are mostly composed of epithelial tissue, and typically have a supporting framework of connective tissue, and a capsule.