What is "gland"?

The gland is an organ in the body that plays a crucial role in the endocrine system by producing and releasing hormones into the bloodstream. Endocrine glands, such as the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, and adrenal glands, secrete hormones that regulate and coordinate various bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, reproduction, and stress response. These hormones act as chemical messengers, traveling through the bloodstream to target cells or organs, where they exert their specific effects. Glands of the endocrine system work together to maintain hormonal balance and ensure the proper functioning of the body's physiological processes.