Final answer:
The gland mentioned in the storytelling context is metaphorical, symbolizing a core element connecting different stories, rather than a specific biological gland.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the excerpts provided and the context of the storytelling, it seems that the gland being referred to in the question is metaphorical rather than literal. When discussing insects at the state fair and a woman with missing teeth, the gland could symbolize the essence or core element that connects various stories and experiences, rather than a specific biological gland. In literature and storytelling, glands or body parts are often used metaphorically to convey a deeper meaning or to highlight a central theme. These non-literal uses encourage readers to explore the underlying significance of a story beyond its surface narrative.