Exocrine gland
Exocrine glands are a type of gland that secrete their products into ducts that lead to the outside of the body. They are one of two types of glands in the human body, the other being endocrine glands, which secrete their products directly into the bloodstream.
Structure
Exocrine glands are composed of a glandular portion and a duct portion, both of which are derived from the same embryonic tissue. The glandular portion is where the cells that produce the secretions are located, while the duct portion is the pathway that allows the secretions to be carried to the location where they are needed.
Function
The primary function of exocrine glands is to produce and secrete substances needed by the body. These substances include enzymes, sweat, oil, and mucus, among others. The specific function of an exocrine gland depends on the type of secretion it produces and where in the body it is located.
Types of Exocrine Glands
There are several types of exocrine glands in the human body, including:
- Sweat glands: These glands produce sweat, which helps to cool the body.
- Sebaceous glands: These glands produce oil, which helps to lubricate the skin and hair.
- Salivary glands: These glands produce saliva, which aids in digestion.
- Mammary glands: These glands produce milk, which provides nutrition for infants.
- Pancreatic glands: These glands produce digestive enzymes, which help to break down food in the digestive system.
Disorders of Exocrine Glands
There are several disorders that can affect the function of exocrine glands. These include:
- Cystic fibrosis: This is a genetic disorder that affects the secretory glands, including the sweat, mucus, and digestive glands.
- Acne: This is a condition that occurs when the sebaceous glands become blocked.
- Sjogren's syndrome: This is an autoimmune disorder that affects the salivary and tear glands.
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
