Mirigy

A mirigy is a gland: a structure formed by specialized cells that synthesizes and secretes substances for use elsewhere in the body or for elimination from the body. Glands may be categorized by how they release their products and where those products act.

Endocrine glands release hormones directly into the bloodstream and lack ducts, allowing systemic distribution to target organs. Exocrine glands secrete their products through ducts to surfaces such as the skin, the gastrointestinal tract, or other body cavities. Mixed or composite glands contain both endocrine and exocrine components, producing hormones as well as other substances. Examples of endocrine glands include the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal glands, and pancreatic islets; exocrine glands include salivary glands, sweat glands, and the pancreas’ exocrine acinar tissue.

Structure and function of glands are defined by their secretory units and ducts. Secretory units are typically arranged as tubules or acini, and their products may be enzymes, mucus, or hormones. Duct systems transport secretions to their sites of action or to a body surface. Glandular secretion can occur by merocrine, apocrine, or holocrine mechanisms, reflecting different cellular processes.

Development and distribution vary across tissues. Glands arise from epithelial tissues and, depending on their type, may be regulated by neural and hormonal signals to adjust secretion in response to physiological needs. Clinical relevance includes disorders of secretion (hyposecretion or hypersecretion), inflammatory or autoimmune diseases, and neoplasms such as adenomas and carcinomas that affect gland function and systemic homeostasis.

In everyday language, mirigy designates glands in the body, essential for metabolism, digestion, temperature regulation, and homeostatic control through targeted chemical signaling.