key term - Gland

Definition

A gland is an organ in the body that produces and releases substances, such as hormones or enzymes, into the bloodstream or other areas of the body.

Related terms

Hormone:

Chemical messengers produced by glands that regulate various bodily functions.

Exocrine Gland: A type of gland that releases its substances through ducts directly to specific locations (e.g., sweat glands).

Endocrine Gland:

A type of gland that releases its substances (hormones) directly into the bloodstream without using ducts.