gruczou

Gruczou is not a standard term in biology. It may be a misspelling of gruczoł, the Polish word for gland. Glands are organs that produce substances and secrete them either into ducts (exocrine glands) or into the bloodstream (endocrine glands).

Exocrine glands release their products through ducts to specific surfaces or cavities. Examples include salivary glands, which secrete saliva to aid digestion; sweat glands, which regulate temperature; and digestive glands such as the pancreas and gastric glands that contribute enzymes and acid to the digestive tract. Endocrine glands, in contrast, release hormones directly into the circulatory system. Hormones travel to target tissues to regulate metabolism, growth, reproduction, and homeostasis. Major endocrine glands include the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal glands, and pancreas (as an endocrine organ).

Gland structure varies; many glands are multicellular and organized into acini or tubules, with epithelial cells forming the secretory units. Glandular activity is controlled by the nervous system and by hormonal signals. Abnormal gland function can lead to hypo- or hypersecretion, developmental disorders, or tumors such as adenomas and cancers. Diagnostic approaches involve hormone assays, imaging (ultrasound, MRI, CT), and sometimes biopsy for histological examination.

If you intended a different term or a specific gland, please provide additional context to refine the entry.