duct gland
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- An exocrine gland: A gland that secretes its products, such as enzymes, sweat, or saliva, to an epithelial surface (either directly or via a duct/tube) rather than into the bloodstream.
Usage
- The term "duct gland" is a technical or anatomical term used to classify glands based on their method of secretion.
- It is used to distinguish these glands from "ductless glands" (endocrine glands), which secrete hormones directly into the blood.
Examples
- Noun:
- Sweat glands and salivary glands are examples of duct glands.
- The pancreas functions as both a duct gland (exocrine) and a ductless gland (endocrine).
Advanced Usage
- "Exocrine gland" as a synonym: In precise anatomical and biological contexts, "exocrine gland" is the more commonly used term. "Duct gland" serves as a descriptive synonym emphasizing the presence of a duct.
- Sebaceous glands are exocrine, or duct, glands that secrete sebum onto the skin.
Variants and Related Words
- Exocrine (adj): Pertaining to glands that secrete via a duct.
- Exocrine function is crucial for digestion.
- Ductless gland (n): The antonym; an endocrine gland.
- The thyroid is a ductless gland.
Synonyms
- Exocrine gland: The direct and most precise synonym.
- Gland with a duct: A descriptive synonym.
Related Phrases / Compound Terms
- Compound Gland: A gland whose secretory units are branched (e.g., the submandibular salivary gland). This is a subtype of exocrine/duct glands.
- Simple Gland: A gland with an unbranched duct (e.g., some sweat glands). This is also a subtype.
Noun
- a gland that secretes externally through a duct