The spelling of the word "blind gland" may seem straightforward, but the letters used actually represent different sounds in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The "b" represents a voiced bilabial plosive, the "l" represents a voiced alveolar lateral approximant, the "ind" represents a nasal sound with the tongue raised towards the alveolar ridge, and the "gl" represents a voiced velarized lateral approximant. Overall, the word is pronounced as "blaɪnd ɡlænd" in IPA transcription.
A blind gland refers to a type of gland that does not possess a duct or canal to secrete its secretions. These glands are commonly found in amphibians and reptiles but can also be present in other organisms. Unlike other glands with ducts that release secretions directly into a body cavity or a surface, blind glands lack an outlet, hence the term "blind."
Blind glands typically produce substances with various functions, such as lubrication, defense, or communication, depending on the organism. Since these glands lack a duct, the secretions they produce are often released directly into the surrounding tissues, allowing for local effects or diffusion into adjacent areas.
In amphibians, blind glands are frequently found in the skin and serve several purposes. Some produce mucus to keep the skin moist and facilitate respiration, while others secrete toxins or antimicrobial substances for protection against predators or pathogens. In reptiles, blind glands may also be present in the oral cavity, producing venom that aids in capturing prey or deterring attackers.
The absence of a duct in blind glands distinguishes them from other types of glands, such as exocrine glands that have a well-defined pathway for releasing their secretions. Blind glands play crucial roles in the overall functioning and survival of organisms, contributing to their physiological processes or enhancing their ability to interact with their environment.
Ductless g.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.