Pronunciation: [ɡlˈandz] (IPA) 
Glands (ɡlændz) is a plural noun that refers to a group of organs in the body that secretes hormones and other substances. The spelling of this word follows the general rule of adding -s to make a word plural. The consonant cluster "nd" in "glands" is pronounced with a nasal sound made by the tongue touching the top of the mouth and air flowing out of the nose. The vowel sound in "glands" is the short "a" sound, as in the word "cat."
Glands are specialized organs or structures found in the body of humans and animals that are responsible for producing and secreting various substances. These substances can be hormones, enzymes, or other materials that are essential for the functioning of the body.
Glands can be classified into two main types: exocrine glands and endocrine glands. Exocrine glands release their secretions through ducts or tubes that lead to a particular area or surface of the body. Examples of exocrine glands include sweat glands, salivary glands, and mammary glands. These glands typically produce substances such as sweat, saliva, and breast milk, which are important for regulating body temperature, digestion, and nourishment.
On the other hand, endocrine glands release their secretions directly into the bloodstream, rather than through ducts. These glands produce and release hormones that help regulate and control various bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Examples of endocrine glands include the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, and adrenal glands.
Glands can vary in size, shape, and location depending on their role and function within the body. They can be single or present in pairs, and can be found in various regions such as the head, neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvis. Their proper functioning is crucial for maintaining overall health and homeostasis in the body, as any disruption or dysfunction in glandular activity can lead to various disorders and diseases.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "glands" originates from the Latin word "glandula", which refers to an acorn or a gland in the body. The Latin term is derived from the verb "glans", meaning "acorn". The association with acorns likely comes from the similarity in shape between acorns and some glands found in the body. Over time, the term "glandula" expanded its meaning to encompass the small structures in the body that secrete substances, resulting in the word "glands" as we know it today.
