58 NORMAL HISTOLOGY AND ORGANOGRAPHY. 



own cells, they may also be called dehiscent or cyto- 

 genic glands, a term applicable to the testes and 

 ovaries, which are epithelial glands that perform a 

 similar function by putting out their own cells in 

 the form of spermatozoa and ovules. 



Numerous goblet cells are found in the simple 

 epithelium lining the stomach and intestines, and 

 are particularly abundant in the lower part of the 



bowel. These cells func- 

 tion as glands and secrete 

 mucus for the protection 

 of the surface. In case 

 of irritating media, such 

 as undigested food or 

 poisons, extensive mucus 

 is poured out over the 

 surface, thus protecting 

 the delicate inner lining. 

 In some cases of consti- 

 pation this mucous secretion is impaired. Salts 

 or drugs that increase the functional activity of these 

 cells correct such complication. On the other 

 hand, too extensive a secretion may be corrected by 

 drugs, as opiates, that inhibit the physiological 

 action of these cells. Constipation may be due 

 to inertness of the musculature of the intestinal 

 wall, in which case other remedies correcting this 

 disturbance are indicated massage, hydrotherapy, 

 and drugs that act on the musculature. 



Physiologically, many gland cells are either mu- 

 cous or serous. In mucous cells the mucus secretion 

 collects at one extremity of the cell as a clear, glisten- 



Serous gland. Mucous gland. 



Fig. 24. Skin and simple alveolar 

 glands from the salamander. 



