Definition of Gland – Behavioral sciences explore the cognitive processes within organisms and the behavioral interactions between organisms in the natural world. It involves the systematic analysis and investigation of human and animal behavior through the study of the past, controlled and naturalistic observation of the present and disciplined scientific experimentation and modeling.
It attempts to accomplish legitimate, objective conclusions through rigorous formulations and observation. Generally, behavior science deals primarily with human action and often seeks to generalize about human behavior as it relates to society.
Definition of Gland
The specialized organs composed of epithelial cells that produce and secrete special substances are called glands.
Types of Glands:
Based on the way of secretion
1. Exocrine gland
2. Endocrine gland.
Types of exocrine glands and their secretions include
a) Salivary gland: In the buccal cavity secrete saliva. This saliva has many functions.
b) Pancreas: Secretes enzyme amylase, trypsin and lipase. These enzymes digest carbohydrates, proteins and fats respectively.
c) Sperm: Sperms produce Hyaluronidase an enzyme which helps it swim in the uterine tissue to reach ova
d) Sweat glands: secrete sweat which acts to regulate body temperature and also excretion.
e) Sebaceous gland: secrete sebum.
f) Lachrymal glands: In eye secrete water to moisten the eye.
B. Endocrine glands: Secrete into blood flowing through them, so as to let the secretion function at distant parts of the body from the gland. They are ductless glands. Their secretions are called as hormones.
Based on their location there are broadly two types of exocrine glands viż.
a) Pituitary Gland (of hypothalamus): This is a gland located below the hypothalamus in the brain.
The gland is differentiated as anterior and posterior gland and has definite secretions for each type i.e.
- Anterior pituitary gland: Located in the front part of pituitary
- Prolactin
- Somatotrophin
- Luteinizing hormone
- Thyroid stimulating hormone
- Adreno corticotrophic hormone
- Follicle stimulating hormone
- Posterior pituitary Present behind the front part of pituitary as shown in diagram above
- Vasopressin
- Oxytocin
b) Thyroid gland: Produces thyroid hormones T3 & 140g
c) Parathyroid gland: Produces parathormone. Both thyroid and parathyroid glands are examples for types of glands in the neck.
d) Adrenal gland: Located on the two kidneys. It has outer cortex and inner medulla regions.
Difference between Exocrine & Endocrine Gland:
| Traits | Exocrine Glands | Endocrine Glands |
| 1. Definition | A gland that secretes into ducts that lead to epithelial surface. | A gland that secretes directly into the blood. |
| 2. Ducts | Present | Absent |
| 3. Name of secretions | Mucus, sweat, oil, saliva. | Hormones |
| 4. Response time | Shorter | Longer |
| 5. Nature | They are an enzyme secreting glands. | They are hormone secreting glands. |
| 6. Activity | The activity of the enzymes is short term | The action of released hormones is prolonged. |
| 7. Released | The secreted substances are directly released over the target site or tissue. | The secretions are released into blood stream. |
| 8. Example | Some of the examples include sweat glands, gastric glands, etc | Some examples include adrenal gland, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, etc |
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