The word "glomus" is spelled with four letters, starting with the voiced velar stop [ɡ]. It is followed by the voiced labial-velar approximant [w], then the open-mid back unrounded vowel [ɔ], and finally the voiceless alveolar fricative [s]. The word is commonly used in biology to refer to a cluster of cells, typically pertaining to the nervous or endocrine system. While the spelling of "glomus" may seem straightforward, its pronunciation may vary depending on the speaker's accent or dialect.
Glomus is a noun that refers to a specialized type of tissue found in certain organs of the body, particularly in the skin. It describes a small, round, and highly vascularized structure that is responsible for regulating blood flow and temperature, as well as sensation in the body. The term "glomus" originates from the Latin word meaning a ball or a mass.
The glomus tissue is located predominantly in the skin but is also found in other areas such as the ear, stomach, and urinary bladder. It consists of an intricate network of small blood vessels, nerve endings, and muscle fibers that work together to perform its functions. The high density of blood vessels allows for efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, while the nerve endings enable it to detect and respond to changes in temperature and pressure.
One of the main roles of glomus is to control blood flow in response to various stimuli. It accomplishes this by constricting or dilating the blood vessels, thus regulating the amount of blood reaching different areas. This helps in conserving body heat or dissipating excess heat, depending on the situation. Additionally, glomus tissue is also involved in the sensation of pain and touch, enabling the body to respond to external stimuli.
In summary, glomus refers to a specialized tissue that plays a crucial role in the regulation of blood flow, temperature, and sensation in the body.
A conglomeration or plexus of minute arteries or veins.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "glomus" originates from Latin. It comes from the Latin noun "glomus", meaning a ball or dense mass.