GAS GLAND Meaning and
Definition
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A gas gland refers to a specialized organ or gland found in certain aquatic organisms such as fish, mollusks, and marine mammals, which enables them to control their buoyancy and regulate their depth within water bodies. It is an essential adaptation for these organisms to maintain their position in the water column efficiently.
The gas gland, typically located in the swim bladder or gas bladder of these animals, is responsible for the production and secretion of gases, particularly oxygen and nitrogen. The glandular cells in this organ actively produce gases that are later released or absorbed into the bloodstream, facilitating the adjustment of buoyancy to counteract the effects of changes in water pressure.
Furthermore, the gas gland works in conjunction with the rete mirabile, a network of capillaries surrounding the swim bladder to ensure precise control. When the organism desires to ascend, the gland secretes gas into the bladder, reducing its density, and enabling the creature to float upward. Conversely, when descent is required, the gland absorbs gas from the bladder, increasing its density and enabling the animal to sink.
Overall, the gas gland plays a crucial role in assisting aquatic creatures in achieving neutral buoyancy, allowing them to move efficiently through the water column and maintain a stable position at different depths.
Common Misspellings for GAS GLAND
- gasp gland
- gass glans
- guas glend
- gaes glond
- gas glnd
Etymology of GAS GLAND
The term "gas gland" is a compound word made up of two components: "gas" and "gland".
1. "Gas" has its origins in the Greek word "khaos" meaning "empty space" or "void". It was later adopted into Latin as "chaos", which referred to the formless state of matter before the creation of the universe. Over time, the concept of gas as a substance characterized by its ability to expand and diffuse came into existence. The English word "gas" was coined in the early 17th century to describe this state of matter.
2. "Gland" comes from the Latin word "glandula", which originally meant "acorn" or "kernel". In anatomical terms, it began to be used to refer to small structures that resembled acorns found in various body parts, such as the lymph nodes.
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