HistologyLesson 3 of 3 in the course Epithelium and glands

Exocrine Glands: Structure, Secretion, and Product Types

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Exocrine glands make and release substances onto an epithelial surface, usually through ducts. Their products include sweat, saliva, tears, mucus, sebum, milk, bile, and pancreatic juice. Understanding how these glands are organized and how they release their products helps distinguish them from endocrine glands and makes their wide range of functions easier to understand.

All flashcards

What is an exocrine gland?
A gland that releases its product onto an epithelial surface, commonly by way of a duct.
How do simple and compound glands differ?
A simple gland has an unbranched duct; a compound gland has a branched duct system.
How do merocrine, apocrine, and holocrine secretion differ?
Merocrine secretion releases product by exocytosis while the cell remains intact. Apocrine secretion releases the apical portion of the cell with its product. Holocrine secretion releases product as the entire cell disintegrates.
What do serous, mucous, and seromucous glands secrete?
Serous glands secrete protein-rich products, often enzymes; mucous glands secrete mucus; seromucous glands secrete both protein and mucus.
Why are the liver and pancreas considered both exocrine and endocrine?
They release some products through ducts into the gastrointestinal tract and release other substances directly into the bloodstream.

Quiz questions

  1. What distinguishes an exocrine gland from an endocrine gland?Answer: It secretes onto an epithelial surface, often through a duct.
  2. What is the difference between a simple and a compound exocrine gland?Answer: Its duct is unbranched; a compound gland's duct is branched.
  3. What happens to the secretory cell during holocrine secretion?Answer: The whole secretory cell disintegrates and releases its contents.
  4. A gland releases a protein-rich, often enzyme-containing product. Which product-based category best describes its secretory cells?Answer: Serous cells
  5. The pancreas releases pancreatic juice through ducts and hormones into the blood. What does this demonstrate?Answer: The pancreas has both exocrine and endocrine functions.

Based on the Wikipedia article Exocrine gland, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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