GLANDULA CERUMINOSA Meaning and
Definition
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Glandula ceruminosa refers to the ceruminous gland, which is a specialized exocrine gland found in the skin of the ear canal. This gland produces cerumen, commonly known as earwax. The term "glandula ceruminosa" is derived from Latin, with "glandula" meaning "gland" and "ceruminosa" indicating its function of producing cerumen.
The glandula ceruminosa is predominantly located within the external auditory meatus, the passageway leading from the outer ear to the middle ear. It is primarily found in humans and certain mammals, such as dogs and whales. The main purpose of the ceruminous gland is to produce and secrete cerumen, which serves several important functions.
The produced cerumen helps to lubricate and protect the ear canal from excessive dryness, preventing it from becoming itchy and irritated. It forms a protective barrier against dust, debris, and foreign particles, thus reducing their chances of entering the ear and causing potential damage or infection. Additionally, cerumen has antimicrobial properties that help inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.
The secretions of the glandula ceruminosa are influenced by various factors, including age, environmental conditions, and hormonal activity. Excess cerumen can occasionally accumulate and become impacted, leading to hearing impairment or discomfort. Regular ear hygiene practices can help in maintaining a healthy balance of cerumen and ensuring the unobstructed passage of sound waves into the auditory system.
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Ceruminous gland, one of the modified sudoriparous glands in the external auditory meatus secreting the cerumen or ear-wax.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GLANDULA CERUMINOSA
- glandulaceruminnosa
- g landula ceruminosa
- gl andula ceruminosa
- gla ndula ceruminosa
- glan dula ceruminosa
- gland ula ceruminosa
- glandu la ceruminosa
- glandul a ceruminosa
- glandula c eruminosa
- glandula ce ruminosa
- glandula cer uminosa
- glandula ceru minosa
- glandula cerum inosa
- glandula cerumi nosa
- glandula cerumin osa
- glandula cerumino sa
- glandula ceruminos a
Etymology of GLANDULA CERUMINOSA
The word "glandula ceruminosa" is a Latin term. Here is the breakdown of its etymology:
1. Glandula: This is a Latin noun meaning "gland". It is derived from the Latin verb "glāns", which means "acorn" or "sweet acorn". The term "glandula" refers to a small anatomical structure that resembles a nut or acorn.
2. Ceruminosa: This is also a Latin adjective derived from the noun "cerumen". "Cerumen" refers to the waxy substance secreted by glands in the ear canal. The adjective form "ceruminosa" means "waxy" or "pertaining to cerumen".
When combined, "glandula ceruminosa" refers to the "ceruminous gland", which is a type of gland in the body that produces cerumen or earwax.
