Glandulære

Glandulære is a descriptor used in biology and medicine to denote structures or tissues related to glands. Glands are specialized organs or cell clusters that synthesize and secrete substances for local use, digestion, lubrication, protection, or signaling. They can be unicellular or multicellular, and they may have ducts or release their products directly into the bloodstream or a body cavity.

Glands are commonly classified by their mode of secretion and by the presence or absence of ducts. Exocrine glands secrete via ducts onto surfaces or body cavities (for example, salivary, sweat, and gastric glands), whereas endocrine glands release hormones directly into the bloodstream (such as the pituitary or thyroid). Some glands are mixed or diffuse, contributing both exocrine and endocrine functions (as seen in the pancreas). Glandular tissue often consists of glandular epithelium arranged in tubular, acinar, or tubuloacinar units, sometimes with supporting connective tissue and ducts.

Secretion mechanisms include merocrine (exocytosis of secretory products), apocrine (portion of the cell’s cytoplasm released with the product), and holocrine (the entire cell disintegrates to release its contents). The term glandular may also describe cells or tissues that resemble glands in histology, with a secretory appearance.

In botany, glandular refers to secretory structures that produce essential oils, resins, or nectar, such as glandular trichomes on leaves. Understanding glandular features aids in physiology, pathology, and taxonomy across biological disciplines.