gland [L, glans, acorn] , any one of many organs in the body comprising specialized cells that secrete or excrete materials not related to their ordinary metabolism. Some glands lubricate; others, such as the pituitary gland, produce hormones; hematopoietic glands, such as the spleen and certain lymph nodes, take part in the production of blood components. Exocrine glands discharge their secretions into ducts. They may be classified by the shape and complexity of their duct systems. Endocrine glands are ductless and discharge their secretions directly into the blood or interstitial fluid. See also exocrine gland, endocrine gland. −glandular, adj.
