Polyglandular is a medical term used to describe a condition where multiple glands are affected. The word is spelled as /pɒlɪˈɡlandjʊlə/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet. The term is derived from the Greek words "poly" meaning many and "gland" referring to glands in the body. This word can sometimes be difficult to spell because of its unusual combination of letters, but the IPA makes it easy to understand and pronounce. It is important to use correct spelling when discussing medical conditions to ensure clear communication between healthcare professionals and patients.
Polyglandular is an adjective used to describe a condition or disorder that involves multiple glands in the body. It refers to the presence of more than one endocrine gland that is affected by a particular disease or dysfunction. The term is derived from the Greek words "poly," meaning many, and "gland," referring to any of the organs that secrete hormones.
Polyglandular disorders are often autoimmune conditions, meaning that they occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and damages its own glands. As a result, the affected individual may experience dysfunction or failure in multiple glands, leading to various symptoms and complications.
Common examples of polyglandular diseases include polyglandular autoimmune syndrome type 1 (PAS-1) and type 2 (PAS-2). PAS-1 is characterized by malfunctioning of several endocrine glands, such as the parathyroid, adrenal, and gonadal glands. PAS-2 primarily affects the adrenal and thyroid glands, as well as other organs such as the pancreas.
The treatment for polyglandular disorders typically involves managing the specific dysfunctions of each affected gland through medication, hormone replacement therapy, or other interventions. Additionally, immune system modulation is often necessary to reduce the autoimmune response.
Overall, the term polyglandular refers to the involvement of multiple endocrine glands in a condition, signaling the need for comprehensive medical management and intervention.
Pluriglandular.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "polyglandular" is derived from the combination of two roots: "poly" and "glandular".
1. "Poly" comes from the Greek word "polús", meaning "many" or "multiple".
2. "Glandular" is derived from the Latin word "glandula", which refers to a small organ in the body that produces and releases hormones or other substances.
When combined, "polyglandular" refers to a term relating to or involving multiple glands.