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GLANDS - a patient's guide
Editorial Team
What is a gland?
A gland is an organised collection of cells that functions
as a secretory or excretory organ. The human body has many
different types of glands situated in various organs. Glands
generally produce hormones or enzymes or other substances
that perform essential functions.
"Swollen glands"
When people talk about "swollen glands", they are often
talking about lymph nodes. Lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels
form a network in the body which plays an essential role
in fighting infection. The lymph nodes contain white blood
cells called lymphocytes which help destroy bacteria or
other harmful cells. They can therefore become enlarged
or swollen when they are fighting an infection because they
must produce additional white blood cells.
Clusters of lymph nodes are found on either side of the
neck, in the armpits and in the groin. Swelling of the neck
lymph nodes is often associated with a throat or respiratory
tract infection.
Swollen lymph nodes in the groin may be indicative of
infection in the legs or genital area.
As lymphatic vessels drain tissue fluid (lymph) to lymph
nodes, cancer can spread via the lymphatic system and swollen
lymph nodes may sometimes be indicative of the spread of
cancer.
If you notice swollen lymph glands , you should have them
checked by a doctor.
Endocrine Glands
Glands form an important part of the endocrine system,
the system in the body that involves hormones. Some of such
endocrine glands are:
1) Pituitary gland: The pituitary is a small gland found
near the base of the brain. It is an important regulator
of many hormones, interacting with signals from the hypothalamus
to help produce various hormones (FSH and LH), which drive
the production of "sex hormones" oestrogen and testosterone.
It also produces a hormone called prolactin,important
in the production of milk.
2) Thyroid gland: The thyroid gland is situated in the
neck, overlying part of the trachea. It is responsible for
producing thyroid hormone, which has many functions in various
tissues of the body. --see articles on hypothyroidism (under
active) and hyperthyroidism (overactive).
3) Adrenal glands:
These glands, otherwise known as the suprarenal glands,
small triangular glands situated on top of each kidney.
They function interactively with the hypothalamus in the
brain and the pituitary to produces many different hormones,
including cortisol and adrenalin.
4) Pancreas:
This important gland is both an endocrine (hormone-producing)
and an exocrine (enzyme-secreting) gland. The most important
hormone produced by the pancreas is insulin, essential for
the body's regulation of sugar. The exocrine function of
the pancreas concerns the production of important enzymes
which help digestion.
Other important glands
1) Salivary glands: The salivary glands are located in
and around the mouth and throat. They secret saliva into
the mouth, which moistens the mouth, aids digestion and
helps protect teeth from decay.
Small stones can occasionally form in the glands or their
ducts and cause swelling and pain on eating. This obstruction
of the flow of saliva can sometimes lead to infection and
may need antibiotic treatment.
Mumps is a well-known viral infection of the parotid glands,
the largest salivary glands.
2) Prostate: The prostate is a small gland located just
underneath the bladder in males. Secretions from the prostate
form part of the seminal fluid (semen). Enlargement of the
prostate is common in older men, and can lead to difficulties
passing urine. In these cases, medical advice should be
sought. The underlying cause may be benign (Benign Prostatic
Hyperplasia) or malignant and appropriate treatment can
usually be instituted.
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