SEROUS GLAND Meaning and
Definition
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A serous gland is a type of glandular tissue that is responsible for producing and secreting a watery or thin fluid called serous fluid. This specialized gland is found in various parts of the human body, including the salivary glands, lacrimal glands, and certain glands located within the pancreas.
The serous glands are composed of numerous small, elongated cells that are rich in secretory granules. These granules contain proteins, enzymes, electrolytes, and other substances that are essential for the production and composition of the serous fluid. The secretory cells of serous glands are typically organized in clusters or acini which are surrounded by connective tissue. These acini have a characteristic appearance, resembling small grape-like structures.
The main function of serous glands is to produce and secrete serous fluid, which serves various purposes depending on the specific gland. For example, the serous glands in the salivary glands produce saliva, which plays a crucial role in the initial stages of food digestion. Similarly, the serous glands in the lacrimal glands produce tears that help lubricate and protect the surface of the eyes.
Overall, serous glands play an important role in maintaining the normal physiological functions of the body by producing serous fluid, which contains essential substances required for various bodily processes.
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A salivary gland, such as the parotid, which secretes a thin, watery fluid.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SEROUS GLAND
- aerous gland
- zerous gland
- xerous gland
- derous gland
- eerous gland
- werous gland
- swrous gland
- ssrous gland
- sdrous gland
- srrous gland
- s4rous gland
- s3rous gland
- seeous gland
- sedous gland
- sefous gland
- setous gland
- se5ous gland
- se4ous gland
- serius gland
- serkus gland
Etymology of SEROUS GLAND
The etymology of the word "serous gland" can be traced back to Latin and Greek roots.
The term "serous" originates from the Latin word "serosus", meaning "serum" or "thin fluid". In biology, "serous" is used to describe a watery, clear, or pale-yellow fluid that is produced by certain glands or tissues.
The word "gland" is derived from the Latin word "glandula", which means "acorn" or "gland". It is believed that the term was originally used to describe the shape of certain glands resembling an acorn.
Therefore, combining these roots, the term "serous gland" describes a type of gland that secretes a watery or serous fluid.
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