gruczoami

Gruczoły, or glands, are organs that produce and release substances for bodily functions. In Polish, gruczoły is the plural noun and gruczoami is a grammatical form used in sentences about glands. Glands can be exocrine, secreting through ducts onto surfaces or into cavities, or endocrine, releasing hormones directly into the bloodstream. Some organs contain both components.

Glands are commonly classified as exocrine or endocrine. Exocrine glands include sweat, salivary, lacrimal, and digestive glands that discharge secretions onto the skin or mucosal surfaces. Endocrine glands, such as the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands, release hormones into the circulatory system to regulate metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Mixed glands, like the pancreas, possess both exocrine and endocrine tissues.

Secretory units vary: glands may be tubular, acinar, or alveolar, and are supported by connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. Secretions can be serous, mucous, or a combination. Secretory products are released by merocrine (exocytosis), apocrine, or holocrine mechanisms, depending on the gland and its function.

Gland activity is controlled by the nervous system, hormones, and local signals. Exocrine secretions aid digestion, lubrication, and protection, while endocrine secretions coordinate metabolism, growth, immune responses, and stress adaptation through hormones such as insulin, cortisol, and thyroid hormones.

Disorders of glands include hyposecretion, hypersecretion, obstruction, and neoplasia. Adenomas and adenocarcinomas arise from glandular tissue. Gland dysfunction can contribute to diseases such as diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, and cystic fibrosis, illustrating the important role glands play in health and disease.