Mirigyképz

Mirigyképz is a term used in Hungarian developmental biology to describe the formation and maturation of glands during embryogenesis and postnatal development. The concept covers both exocrine glands, which secrete via ducts into surfaces or cavities, and endocrine glands, which release hormones into the circulatory system. In normal development, mirigyképz involves coordinated cell proliferation, differentiation, and morphogenesis that establish secretory units and, for many glands, an organized ductal network.

Origins and patterns of development vary by gland type. Some glands originate from specific ectodermal thickening, others from endodermal tissue, and still others interact with surrounding mesenchyme. A common feature is branching morphogenesis, which generates a tree-like duct system that delivers secretions to their target sites. The maturation of secretory cells, polarization, and establishment of gland-specific ducts and lobules are regulated by signaling pathways such as fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor, Hedgehog, Wnt, and Notch, together with key transcription factors (for example PDX1 in pancreatic development; SOX9 in several gland lineages).

Clinically, mirigyképz is studied to understand congenital gland anomalies, hypoplasia or agenesis, and glandular tumors such as adenomas and adenocarcinomas. Disruptions in signaling or transcriptional programs can lead to functional deficits in salivary, pancreatic, or endocrine function.

Term usage varies in Hungarian literature, but mirigyképz is commonly treated as the overarching process of gland formation, from initial specification to functional maturation. See also gland, organogenesis, branching morphogenesis.