AGMINATED GLANDS Meaning and
Definition
-
Agminated glands are a type of glandular structures that are characterized by their clustered arrangement. These glands are found in various organs and tissues throughout the human body, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract and the lymphatic system.
The term "agminated" is derived from the Latin word "agmen" which means "a crowd" or "a flock." This name accurately reflects the structural characteristic of these glands, as they are composed of numerous individual glandular units packed closely together.
Agminated glands are primarily known for their role in the immune system. In the intestines, for instance, there are clusters of agminated glands known as Peyer's patches. These patches contain specialized cells called M cells that help facilitate the sampling and transportation of antigens from the gut lumen to the underlying lymphoid tissue, thus participating in the body's immune response.
Apart from their presence in the intestines, agminated glands are also found in other parts of the body, such as the bronchial mucosa, where they play a crucial role in the respiratory immune defense system. In the lymphatic system, agminated glands contribute to the production and maturation of lymphocytes, which are essential for a functioning immune response.
Overall, agminated glands can be defined as glandular structures that are densely clustered together. They are most commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract and the lymphatic system, where they have important roles in immune response and defense mechanisms of the body.
Etymology of AGMINATED GLANDS
The term "agminated glands" is a medical term used to describe a collection of small glands found in the walls of the small intestine, which are known as Peyer's patches.
The etymology of the term "agminate" can be traced back to the Latin word "agminare", which means "to place in a flock" or "to mass together". It comes from the Latin noun "agmen", meaning "a herd", "a flock", or "a multitude".
In the context of the term "agminated glands", the word "agminate" refers to the fact that these glands are clustered or massed together in a specific area, forming grouped or aggregated structures.
