The word "globate gland" is spelled with the phonetic transcription /gləʊbeɪt ɡlænd/. The first syllable "glo" is pronounced with an open-mid back unrounded vowel sound, while the second syllable "bate" has a diphthong of an open-mid front unrounded vowel sound followed by a voiceless alveolar fricative. The final syllable "gland" is pronounced with a long vowel sound followed by a voiced alveolar nasal consonant. This word refers to a glandular structure that is spherical or rounded in shape.
A globate gland is a type of exocrine gland characterized by its spherical or globular shape. It is composed of specialized epithelial cells found in certain organisms, including plants and animals.
In plants, globate glands are usually located on the surface of leaves, stems, or flowers. They secrete various substances, such as oils, resins, or mucilage. These secretions often serve protective purposes, such as deterring herbivores, preventing water loss, or attracting pollinators. The spherical shape of globate glands helps contain and concentrate the secreted substances, ensuring their efficient release and utilization.
In animals, globate glands can be found in different regions of the body, depending on the species. They can be present on the skin, mucous membranes, or within internal organs. These glands produce and secrete substances like sweat, sebum, or enzymes. While sweat glands regulate body temperature and eliminate waste products, sebaceous glands produce oily secretions that moisturize the skin and hair. The globular shape of these glands allows for a larger surface area, enhancing the efficiency of secretory function.
Overall, globate glands are anatomical structures that have evolved in various organisms to perform crucial physiological functions. Their distinctive shape facilitates the secretion and distribution of specialized substances, contributing to the organism's survival and adaptation to its environment.
Lymph-gland.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "globate gland" is derived from two separate etymologies:
1. Globate: "Globate" comes from the Latin word "globus", meaning "ball" or "sphere". It refers to a shape that resembles a sphere or a rounded form.
2. Gland: "Gland" comes from the Latin word "glandula", which means "acorn", "gland", or "glandular body". It originally referred to the shape of an acorn, which resembles certain glandular structures.
When combined, "globate gland" describes a glandular structure that has a rounded or spherical shape.