what is a gland
(February 2012). A gland is an organ in an animal's body that synthesizes a substance such as hormones for release into the bloodstream (endocrine gland) or into cavities inside the body or its outer surface (exocrine gland).lands are classified according to their shape. 1  If the gland retains its shape as a tube throughout it is termed a tubular gland. 2  In the second main variety of gland the secretory portion is enlarged and the lumen variously increased in size. 3  These are termed alveolar or saccular glands.