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mammary gland

(Encyclopedia)mammary gland, organ of the female mammal that produces and secretes milk for the nourishment of the young. A mammal may have from 1 to 11 pairs of mammary glands, depending on the species. Generally,...

lacrimal gland

(Encyclopedia)lacrimal gland: see tears.

pituitary gland

(Encyclopedia)pituitary gland, small oval endocrine gland that lies at the base of the brain. It is sometimes called the master gland of the body because all the other endocrine glands depend on its secretions for ...

suprarenal gland

(Encyclopedia)suprarenal gland: see adrenal gland. ...

thymus gland

(Encyclopedia)thymus gland thīˈməs [key], mass of glandular tissue located in the neck or chest of most vertebrate animals. In humans, the thymus is a soft, flattened, pinkish-gray organ located in the upper che...

thyroid gland

(Encyclopedia)CE5 Thyroid gland thyroid gland, endocrine gland, situated in the neck, that secretes hormones necessary for growth and proper metabolism. It consists of two lobes connected by a narrow segment ca...

adrenal gland

(Encyclopedia)CE5 Adrenal glands: The cross-sectioned area shows the adrenal cortex and medulla. adrenal gland so͞oprərēnˈəl [key], endocrine gland (see endocrine system) about 2 in. (5.1 cm) long situated...

pineal gland

(Encyclopedia)pineal gland pĭnˈeəl [key], small organ (about the size of a pea) situated in the brain. Long considered vestigial in humans, the structure, which is also called the pineal body or the epiphysis, i...

sebaceous gland

(Encyclopedia)sebaceous gland səbāˈshəs [key], gland in the skin of mammals that secretes an oily substance called sebum. In humans, sebaceous glands are primarily found in association with hair follicles but a...

geriatrics

(Encyclopedia)geriatrics jĕrēăˈtrĭks [key], the branch of medicine concerned with conditions and diseases of the aged. Many disabilities in old age are caused by or related to the deterioration of the circulat...