Holocrine
Holocrine
Holocrine (/hoʊˈlɒkrɪn/; from the Greek holos, "whole", and krinein, "to separate") is a term used in histology to describe a method of secretion in which the entire cell is destroyed to release the substances within. This is in contrast to other methods of secretion such as merocrine and apocrine, where only parts of the cell are used.
Etymology
The term holocrine is derived from the Greek words holos meaning "whole", and krinein meaning "to separate". This refers to the process where the entire cell disintegrates to secrete its substances, effectively separating its contents from the body.
Process
In holocrine secretion, the cell's cytoplasm is filled with vesicles containing the substance to be secreted. The cell then ruptures, releasing the vesicles and their contents. This process is most commonly seen in the sebaceous glands of the skin, which secrete sebum, a mixture of lipids, onto the hair and skin surface to protect and lubricate them.
Related Terms
- Merocrine: A method of secretion where the cell remains intact, and only the secretory product is released.
- Apocrine: A method of secretion where a portion of the cell's cytoplasm is released along with the secretory product.
- Sebaceous glands: Glands in the skin that secrete an oily substance called sebum, using the holocrine method of secretion.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Holocrine
- Wikipedia's article - Holocrine
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