MIXED GLAND Meaning and
Definition
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A mixed gland refers to a specific type of gland that consists of both exocrine and endocrine components, and is responsible for performing both exocrine and endocrine functions. A gland, in general, is an organ or tissue in the body that synthesizes and secretes substances such as hormones, enzymes, or other biological substances. However, a mixed gland combines two distinct types of glandular tissues.
The exocrine component of a mixed gland is responsible for facilitating exocrine functions, which involves secreting substances through ducts into a body cavity or onto a body surface. Examples of exocrine glands include sweat glands and salivary glands. These glands produce substances that are released onto the skin or inside the mouth, respectively.
Conversely, the endocrine component of a mixed gland is responsible for endocrine functions, which involves the secretion of hormones directly into the bloodstream. These hormones are then transported to target organs or tissues where they regulate various physiological processes.
Mixed glands are found throughout the body, such as in the pancreas, which contains both exocrine cells that secrete digestive enzymes into the small intestine and endocrine cells that release hormones like insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. Another example is the ovary, which has an exocrine function in the form of releasing eggs, as well as an endocrine function by producing and releasing hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
In summary, a mixed gland is a glandular structure that possesses both exocrine and endocrine properties, and is involved in performing both exocrine and endocrine functions in the body.
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A gland secreting both mucus and saliva.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MIXED GLAND
- nixed gland
- kixed gland
- jixed gland
- muxed gland
- mjxed gland
- mkxed gland
- moxed gland
- m9xed gland
- m8xed gland
- mized gland
- miced gland
- mided gland
- mised gland
- mixwd gland
- mixsd gland
- mixdd gland
- mixrd gland
- mix4d gland
- mix3d gland
- mixes gland
Etymology of MIXED GLAND
The word "mixed gland" is a combination of the word "mixed" and "gland".
1. Mixed: The term "mixed" derives from the Old English word "miscen", which means "to mix" or "blend together". It originated from the Germanic language family. In the context of "mixed gland", it refers to a gland that produces both exocrine and endocrine secretions, meaning it releases substances onto a surface through a duct (exocrine function) and also releases hormones directly into the bloodstream (endocrine function).
2. Gland: The word "gland" originates from the Latin word "glandula", which means "gland" or "acorn". It can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root word "glands", meaning "swelling" or "dough lump".
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