Ring gland

Pronunciation
/ring GLAN-d/
Category
Anatomy
Singular
Ring gland
Plural
Ring glands

Definition

A specialized endocrine organ found in some larval insects that secretes hormones essential for development and metamorphosis, particularly ecdysteroids.

Etymology

From the ring-like appearance of the gland.

Example

The ring gland plays a crucial role in regulating molting and metamorphosis in larval insects.

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