DUCTLESS GLANDS

glands existing in various parts of the animal body which discharge their secretions direct into the blood stream and not into special channels. The secretions are known as hormones and are believed to exert a remarkable influence over the development of the body, and the co-operation of its parts. The thyroid glands, which exist on either side of the windpipe, secrete a hormone which greatly influences vitality, a deficiency causing general feeblene , while an exce leads to wasting away and nervous excitement. The pituitary gland influences growth, overdevelopment producing giants. Other glands influence the growth of sexual characteristics and instincts, while the thymus gland prevents the sex-organs from developing too early. See GLAnps. E.), town, Hanover, Germany; has number of interesting churches; cottons, woolens manufactured. Pop. 6,000.