DUCTLESS GLAND Meaning and
Definition
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A ductless gland refers to a type of gland that does not possess any ducts or tubes through which their secretions or hormones are transported. These glands are also commonly known as endocrine glands. Unlike exocrine glands, which have ducts to transport their secretions, ductless glands release their hormones directly into the bloodstream. This allows the hormones to be swiftly carried to their target organs or tissues, which are often located at a considerable distance from the gland itself.
Ductless glands play a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. They produce and secrete hormones, which are chemical messengers that bind to specific target cells or receptors in order to initiate a physiological response. Examples of ductless glands include the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and gonads (testes and ovaries). These glands are responsible for controlling growth, metabolism, reproduction, stress response, and many other vital processes within the body.
Disorders or dysfunctions of ductless glands can lead to significant health complications. Overproduction or underproduction of certain hormones can disrupt the delicate balance of the body's systems, resulting in diseases such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, or Cushing's syndrome. Medical professionals often diagnose and treat these conditions through a combination of hormone replacement therapy, medication, or surgical intervention, aiming to restore hormonal balance and alleviate associated symptoms.
Overall, ductless glands play an integral role in maintaining the overall functioning and equilibrium of the human body through their hormone-secreting capabilities.
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One which has no duct, its secretion being absorbed directly into the blood.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for DUCTLESS GLAND
- suctless gland
- xuctless gland
- cuctless gland
- fuctless gland
- ructless gland
- euctless gland
- dyctless gland
- dhctless gland
- djctless gland
- dictless gland
- d8ctless gland
- d7ctless gland
- duxtless gland
- duvtless gland
- duftless gland
- dudtless gland
- ducrless gland
- ducfless gland
- ducgless gland
Etymology of DUCTLESS GLAND
The word "ductless gland" is derived from the combination of two terms: "ductless" and "gland".
The term "gland" originated from the Latin word "glandula", which referred to a small swelling or acorn. In the medical context, it came to represent an organ or group of cells that produces and releases specific substances into the body. The word "gland" entered the English language in the 14th century.
The term "ductless" refers to the absence of ducts, which are small tubes or channels that transport fluids in the body. The word "ductless" was formed by adding the suffix "-less" to "duct", which is derived from the Latin word "ductus", meaning "conduit" or "canal". The term "ductless" came into use in the mid-18th century.
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