Alveolar gland

Alveolar gland

The Alveolar gland is a type of exocrine gland that is characterized by its sac-like structure. The term "alveolar" is derived from the Latin word "alveolus", meaning "small cavity".

Structure

The alveolar gland is composed of a group of cells that form a sac-like structure, known as an alveolus. The cells of the alveolar gland are specialized to produce and secrete substances into the alveolus. The secreted substances are then transported to the body's surface or into the body's cavities through a system of ducts.

Function

The primary function of the alveolar gland is to produce and secrete substances. The specific substances produced by the alveolar gland depend on the type of gland. For example, the mammary gland, a type of alveolar gland, produces milk. Other types of alveolar glands produce substances such as sweat, oil, or digestive enzymes.

Types

There are two main types of alveolar glands: simple and compound.

• Simple alveolar glands have a single, unbranched duct leading to the alveolus. An example of a simple alveolar gland is the sebaceous gland, which produces oil to lubricate the skin and hair.
• Compound alveolar glands have multiple, branched ducts leading to multiple alveoli. An example of a compound alveolar gland is the pancreas, which produces digestive enzymes.

Related Terms

• Exocrine gland: A type of gland that secretes substances into ducts, which then transport the substances to the body's surface or into the body's cavities.
• Sebaceous gland: A type of simple alveolar gland that produces oil to lubricate the skin and hair.
• Mammary gland: A type of alveolar gland that produces milk.
• Pancreas: A type of compound alveolar gland that produces digestive enzymes.

See Also

• Endocrine gland
• Sweat gland
• Salivary gland

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