In-Depth Notes on Glands and Related Conditions

Definition: A cell or group of cells that produce discharges for use in other body parts.
Types of Secretions:
- Mucus
- Serous
Classification of Glands:
- Merocrine: Secretes without losing any part of the cell.
- Example: Salivary glands.
- Apocrine: Secretes part of the cell along with the secretion.
- Examples: Mammary glands, sweat glands in the axilla (armpit area).
- Eccrine: Most common sweat glands, directly secrete sweat to the skin surface.
- Holocrine: Entire cell disintegrates to form the secretion.
- Example: Sebaceous (oil) glands.

Sebaceous Glands:
- Release entire protoplasm through ducts.
- Overactivity leads to seborrhea, underactivity leads to xeroderma.
Endocrine Glands:
- Secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.
- Examples include: Pituitary gland, Thyroid gland, Pancreas.
Pituitary Gland:
- Considered the "master gland" due to its hormonal influence.
- Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) example causes ovarian follicles to develop in females.
Exocrine Pancreas:
- Left side is endocrine; right side is exocrine, secreting digestive enzymes into the duodenum.
- Insulin regulates blood sugar levels (endocrine function).

Lymph: Watery fluid filtering through lymph nodes into the bloodstream that aids in immune functions.
Lymphadenitis: Inflammation of lymph nodes often due to infections, causing potential swelling in areas like the groin.
Chylitis: Inflammation often presenting as chapped lips, due to environmental factors.

Capillaritis: Inflammation of the capillaries, often shows reddish lesions but usually self-resolves.
Dyshidrosis (Pompholyx): Sweating disorder causing vesicles on hands and feet; treated with corticosteroids and socks.
Dehydration: Resulting from fluid loss; signs include poor skin turgor, treated with rehydration therapy.

Gangrene: Tissue death due to inadequate blood supply.
- Types:
- Gas Gangrene: Caused by infections; major symptoms include severe pain and tissue necrosis. Requires rapid treatment to avoid fatality.
- Vascular Gangrene: Often due to arteriosclerosis.
- Dry Gangrene: Often diabetic related, results in shriveling of extremities.
- Wet Gangrene: Associated with bacterial infections, rapidly spreading and can result in death within days.

Ichthyosis: A condition characterized by dry, scaly, fish-like skin; treatments include moisturizers and retinoids.
Xeroderma: A milder form of ichthyosis resulting in rough, dry skin, linked to excessive bathing.
Lichen Planus: Chronic skin disease presenting small flat papules; generally self-resolving but may need treatments for itching.

Ingrown Nails (Ungus incarnatus): Typically due to improper nail cutting, causing pain and potential infection; treatment involves correct trimming, sometimes surgery.
Alopecia: Hair loss from various causes; treatments may involve hormone therapy or hair restoration techniques.
Targeted Skin Infections: From simple conditions like furuncles (boils) to more serious infections like carbuncles involving more extensive follicular infection.

Cold Sores: Caused by herpes simplex virus; symptoms include itching and lesions.
Canker Sores: Oral ulcers, linked to immune responses and hormonal changes.
Mumps: Causes salivary gland inflammation; may lead to serious complications like orchitis and meningitis.
Measles and Rubella: Acute viral infections with characteristic rashes; vaccination is key for prevention against these contagious diseases.
Smallpox: A serious disease once eradicated; vaccinations are limited to military or biodefense sectors; previously highly contagious.
Chickenpox and Shingles: Caused by the herpes zoster virus, presenting with lesions; shingles result from reactivation of the chickenpox virus.