Difference between revisions of "Gland" - New World Encyclopedia

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[[Image:Gray1026.png|thumb|Human submaxillary gland. At the right is a group of mucous alveoli, at the left a group of serous alveoli.]]
 
[[Image:Gray1026.png|thumb|Human submaxillary gland. At the right is a group of mucous alveoli, at the left a group of serous alveoli.]]
  
−
A '''gland''' is a collection of [[cell (biology)|cells]] ([[tissue]]) or an [[Organ (anatomy)|organ]] in an animal's body that, utilizing substances from the blood, produces a newly synthesized or concentrated chemical substance for secretion, either for use by another part of the body or for elimination from the body. For example, it may synthesize a [[hormone]] for release into the bloodstream ([[endocrine system|endocrine gland]]) or secrete a substance directly into cavities inside the body or its outer surface ([[exocrine gland]]). More broadly, the term gland is sometimes used to encompass any collection of cells that secretes a chemical substance, such as plant glands that produce nectar in [[flower]]s.
+
A '''gland''' is an [[Organ (anatomy)|organ]] or a collection of [[cell (biology)|cells]] (a [[tissue]]) in an [[animal]]'s body that processes substances from the [[blood]] into a newly synthesized or concentrated chemical substance for secretion, either for use by another part of the body or for elimination from the body. The two classes of glands are [[endocrine system|endocrine gland]]s, which synthesize a [[hormone]] for release into the bloodstream, and [[exocrine gland]]s, which secrete a substance directly into cavities inside the body or onto its outer surface. More broadly, the term gland is sometimes expanded to include any collection of cells that secretes a chemical substance, such as [[plant]] glands that produce nectar in [[flower]]s.
  
−
Glands are essentially collections of cells that are working together in harmony, accomplishing a particular function of benefit to the entire body. Each part of a living organism (cells, tissues, glands, etc.), depends upon other parts to do their particular role and keep the organism functioning. This involves [[Biology#Interactions: Harmony and dual purposes|dual purposes]]: While each gland (cell, tissue) is performing actions necessary for its own maintenance, self-preservation, and self-strengthening, it also is performing specific actions that contribute to the health of the body. The body, on the other hand, supports each gland and its individual purpose by providing nutrients, oxygen, and other necessary materials, and by transporting away the toxic waste materials.
+
Considered as a group, the endocrine glands make up the endocrine system, representatives of which include the [[hypothalamus]], [[pituitary gland]], [[thyroid gland]], [[adrenal gland]], and [[pancreas]]. Hormones from the endocrine glands circulate widely throughout the blood system often triggering a response in an organ or tissue far from the gland of origin. The ''exocrine glands'' secreting their products through [[duct (anatomy)|duct]]s are also known as duct glands. Typical exocrine glands include [[sweat gland]]s, [[salivary gland]]s, [[mammary gland]]s, and many glands of the [[digestive system]].  
  
−
Glands can be divided into two groups:
+
Some glands would qualify for both groups because of their dual functions. The pancreas, for example, has both an endocrine function in releasing [[hormone]]s into the bloodstream and an exocrine function in releasing digestive [[enzyme]]s into the digestive tract. Other glands serving similar dual functions include the [[liver]], [[ovary|ovaries]], and [[testes]].  
−
* '''Endocrine glands'''. Exocrine glands are those that secrete their product directly into the blood rather than through a duct (ductless glands). This group contains the glands of the [[endocrine system]], such as the [[hypothalamus]], [[pituitary gland]], [[thyroid gland]], [[adrenal gland]], and [[pancreas]].
 
−
* '''Exocrine glands'''. Exocrine glands are those that secrete their products into [[duct (anatomy)|duct]]s (duct glands) or directly onto the exterior surface (not through the bloodstream). Typical exocrine glands include [[sweat gland]]s, [[salivary gland]]s, [[mammary gland]]s, and many glands of the [[digestive system]].
 
  
−
Some glands have dual functions. The pancreas, for example, has both an endocrine function, in releasing [[hormone]]s, and an exocrine function, in releasing digestive [[enzyme]]s. Other glands that secrete both a chemical substance through a duct and a different chemical substance directly into the blood include the liver, ovary, and testis.  
+
Although the endocrine and exocrine glands considered together as a family are identified as the instruments of secretion in the animal world, they are only the larger, more obvious sources of secretions. Other sources of secretions include the heart, gut, skin, and [[kidney]]s, for example. They each secrete hormones into the blood that travel an often-long distance before interacting with a cell to the extent of affecting which genes are converted into [[protein]]s. The glands and all other sources of secretions, being part of a single organism, are nurtured by the same blood, which is maintained by the whole organism as it moves, breaths, eats, digests, eliminates, and sleeps depending on the balanced functioning of all its glands. In this we see reflected the interdependent relations characteristic of both living and social systems.  
  
 
==Formation==
 
==Formation==
−
Every gland is formed by an ingrowth from an [[epithelium|epithelial]] surface. This ingrowth may from the beginning possess a tubular structure, but in other instances glands may start as a solid column of [[cell (biology)|cells]] that subsequently becomes tubulated.  
+
During an organism's embryonic development, its glands are formed by an ingrowth from an [[epithelium|epithelial]] surface. This ingrowth may from the beginning possess a tubular structure, or, in other instances, it may start as a solid column of [[cell (biology)|cells]] that subsequently becomes tubulated.  
  
−
As growth proceeds, the column of cells may divide or give off offshoots, in which case a compound gland is formed. In many glands, the number of branches is limited; in others (salivary, [[pancreas]]), a very large structure is finally formed by repeated growth and sub-division. As a rule, the branches do not unite with one another, but in one instance, the [[liver]], this does occur when a reticulated compound gland is produced. In compound glands, the more typical or secretory epithelium is found forming the terminal portion of each branch, and the uniting portions form ducts and are lined with a less modified type of epithelial cell.  
+
As growth proceeds, the column of cells may divide or give off offshoots, in which case a compound gland is formed. In many glands, the number of branches is limited; in others (salivary, [[pancreas]]), a very large structure is finally formed by repeated growth and sub-division. In compound glands, the secretory epithelium forms the terminal portion of each branch, and the uniting portions form ducts and are lined with a less modified type of epithelial cell.  
  
 
Glands are classified according to their shape.
 
Glands are classified according to their shape.
Line 32: Line 31:
 
==Exocrine glands==
 
==Exocrine glands==
  
−
Exocrine glands release their secretions through ducts into the external environment (Silverthorn 2004), or directly onto the exterior surface or an area contiguous with the exterior surface, not utilizing the blood to deliver the product. They include such glands as the salivary glands, sweat glands, and glands within the [[gastrointestinal tract]]. Most utilize ducts, but some glands classified as exocrine glands, such as the digestive glands in the intestine and the sebaceous glands of the [[skin]], actually open directly on the body surface.
+
Exocrine glands release their secretions through ducts into the external environment (Silverthorn 2004), or directly onto the exterior surface or an area contiguous with the exterior surface, not utilizing the blood to deliver the product. They include such glands as the [[salivary gland]]s, [[sweat gland]]s, and glands within the [[gastrointestinal tract]]. Most utilize ducts, but some glands classified as exocrine glands, such as the digestive glands in the intestine and the sebaceous glands of the [[skin]], actually open directly onto the body surface.
  
−
The chemical substance released by exocrine glands can include sweat, digestive enzymes, tears (through tear ducts), and even [[silk]] from [[spider]]s or silkworm larvae.  
+
The chemical substances released by exocrine glands include [[sweat]], digestive enzymes, tears (through tear ducts), and even [[silk]] from [[spider]]s or [[silkworm]] larvae.  
  
 
There are multiple ways of classifying exocrine glands:
 
There are multiple ways of classifying exocrine glands:
Line 42: Line 41:
 
* The glandular portion may be tubular, [[acinus|acinar]], or may be a mix of the two (called tubuloacinar). If the glandular portion branches, then the gland is called a branched gland.
 
* The glandular portion may be tubular, [[acinus|acinar]], or may be a mix of the two (called tubuloacinar). If the glandular portion branches, then the gland is called a branched gland.
  
−
'''Method of secretion'''. Exocrine glands are named [[apocrine]], [[holocrine gland]], or [[merocrine gland]] based on how their product is secreted.  
+
'''Method of secretion'''. Exocrine glands are named [[apocrine]], [[holocrine gland|holocrine]], or [[merocrine gland|merocrine]] glands based on how their product is secreted.  
 
*''Apocrine glands''. In [[apocrine]] glands, a portion of the [[plasma membrane]] buds off the cell, containing the secretion, such that a portion of the secreting [[cell (biology)|cell]]'s body is lost during secretion. ''Apocrine gland'' is often used to refer to the [[sweating|apocrine sweat glands]], however it is thought that apocrine sweat glands may not be true apocrine glands as they may not use the apocrine method of secretion.
 
*''Apocrine glands''. In [[apocrine]] glands, a portion of the [[plasma membrane]] buds off the cell, containing the secretion, such that a portion of the secreting [[cell (biology)|cell]]'s body is lost during secretion. ''Apocrine gland'' is often used to refer to the [[sweating|apocrine sweat glands]], however it is thought that apocrine sweat glands may not be true apocrine glands as they may not use the apocrine method of secretion.
 
*''Holocrine glands''. In [[holocrine]] glands, the entire cell disintegrates to secrete its substance (e.g., sebaceous glands).
 
*''Holocrine glands''. In [[holocrine]] glands, the entire cell disintegrates to secrete its substance (e.g., sebaceous glands).
−
*''Merocrine glands'' - In [[merocrine]] glands''', cells secrete their substances by [[exocytosis]] (e.g., mucous and serous glands). Also called "eccrine."
+
*''Merocrine glands''. In [[merocrine]] glands, cells secrete their substances by [[exocytosis]] (e.g., mucous and serous glands). Also called "eccrine."
  
 
'''Product secreted'''
 
'''Product secreted'''
Line 51: Line 50:
 
* ''Mucous glands''. [[Mucous]] glands secrete a viscous product, rich in [[carbohydrate]]s (eg. glycoproteins). Examples include [[Brunner's glands]], [[esophageal glands]], and [[pyloric glands]].  
 
* ''Mucous glands''. [[Mucous]] glands secrete a viscous product, rich in [[carbohydrate]]s (eg. glycoproteins). Examples include [[Brunner's glands]], [[esophageal glands]], and [[pyloric glands]].  
 
* ''Mixed glands''. Mixed glands secrete both protein and mucus. Examples include the [[salivary glands]], although [[parotid gland]] is predominantly serous, and [[sublingual gland]] is predominantly mucous.
 
* ''Mixed glands''. Mixed glands secrete both protein and mucus. Examples include the [[salivary glands]], although [[parotid gland]] is predominantly serous, and [[sublingual gland]] is predominantly mucous.
−
* Sebaceous glands'''. Sebaceous glands secrete a [[lipid]] product.
+
* Sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands secrete a [[lipid]] product.
  
  
 
===Types of exocrine glands===
 
===Types of exocrine glands===
  
−
Glands typically may be referred to by two or more means, though some terms are rarely seen. The names of the anatomists who first described them are often employed.  
+
Glands typically may be referred to by two or more means, though some terms are rarely seen. The names of the anatomists who first described them are often employed.  
  
 
{| class="sortable wikitable"  
 
{| class="sortable wikitable"  
−
| '''name(s)''' || '''location''' || '''product''' || '''structure'''
+
| '''name(s)''' || '''location''' || '''product''' || '''structure'''
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[apocrine sweat glands]] || [[skin]] || - || coiled tubular
+
  | [[apocrine sweat glands]] || [[skin]] || - || coiled tubular
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[Bartholin's glands]], Tiedmann's glands, vulvovaginal glands || [[vulva]], [[vagina]] || - || -
+
  | [[Bartholin's glands]], Tiedmann's glands, vulvovaginal glands || [[vulva]], [[vagina]] || - || -
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[Baughin's glands]], anterior lingual glands || [[tongue]], near tip || nonserious or mixed || -
+
  | [[Baughin's glands]], anterior lingual glands || [[tongue]], near tip || nonserious or mixed || -
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[Brunner's glands]], duodenal glands || [[duodenum]] || mucous   || compound tubular
+
  | [[Brunner's glands]], duodenal glands || [[duodenum]] || mucous || compound tubular
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[bulbourethral glands]], Cowper's glands, Mery's glands || [[penis]], base || - || -
+
  | [[bulbourethral glands]], Cowper's glands, Mery's glands || [[penis]], base || - || -
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[Ciaccio's glands]], accessory [[lacrimal glands]] || [[eye]] || - || -
+
  | [[Ciaccio's glands]], accessory [[lacrimal glands]] || [[eye]] || - || -
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[Cobelli's glands]] || [[esophagus]], just above the [[cardia]], in the [[mucosa]] || mucous || -
+
  | [[Cobelli's glands]] || [[esophagus]], just above the [[cardia]], in the [[mucosa]] || mucous || -
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[Duverney's gland]] || vagina, on either side || - || -
+
  | [[Duverney's gland]] || vagina, on either side || - || -
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[Ebner's glands]]   || tongue || mucous || -
+
  | [[Ebner's glands]] || tongue || mucous || -
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[eccrine sweat glands]] || [[skin]] || - || coiled tubular
+
  | [[eccrine sweat glands]] || [[skin]] || - || coiled tubular
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[esophageal glands]] || [[esophagus]]   || mucous   || racemose
+
  | [[esophageal glands]] || [[esophagus]] || mucous || racemose
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[exocrine pancreas]] || [[pancreas]] || serous || tubulo-acinar
+
  | [[exocrine pancreas]] || [[pancreas]] || serous || tubulo-acinar
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[Fränkel's glands]] || [[vocal cords]], below the edge || - || -
+
  | [[Fränkel's glands]] || [[vocal cords]], below the edge || - || -
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[gastric chief cell]], Wasmann's glands || [[stomach]] || serous || -
+
  | [[gastric chief cell]], Wasmann's glands || [[stomach]] || serous || -
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[glomus coccygeum]], coccygeal gland, Luschka's gland or ganglion || [[coccyx]], near the tip || - || -
+
  | [[glomus coccygeum]], coccygeal gland, Luschka's gland or ganglion || [[coccyx]], near the tip || - || -
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[goblet cells]] || [[digestive tract]], [[respiratory tract]] || mucous   || simple unicellular
+
  | [[goblet cells]] || [[digestive tract]], [[respiratory tract]] || mucous || simple unicellular
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[Henle's glands]] ||   [[eyelids]], in the [[conjuctiva]] || - || tubular
+
  | [[Henle's glands]] || [[eyelids]], in the [[conjuctiva]] || - || tubular
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[Huguier's glands]] || vagina || - || -
+
  | [[Huguier's glands]] || vagina || - || -
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[Krause's glands]] || conjunctiva, middle portion || mucous || -
+
  | [[Krause's glands]] || conjunctiva, middle portion || mucous || -
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[Lieberkuhn's gland]]s   || [[intestines]], surface of [[mucous membrane]] || - || simple tubular
+
  | [[Lieberkuhn's gland]]s || [[intestines]], surface of [[mucous membrane]] || - || simple tubular
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[Littré's glands]], Morgagni's glands || [[spongy portion of the urethra]]   || - || [[racemose]]
+
  | [[Littré's glands]], Morgagni's glands || [[spongy portion of the urethra]] || - || [[racemose]]
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[mammary gland]] || breast   || - || compound tubulo-acinar
+
  | [[mammary gland]] || breast || - || compound tubulo-acinar
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[Meibomian gland]] || eyelids || sebaceous || -
+
  | [[Meibomian gland]] || eyelids || sebaceous || -
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[Moll's glands]] || eyelids || - || -
+
  | [[Moll's glands]] || eyelids || - || -
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[Montgomery's glands]] || mammary [[areola]] || sebaceous || -
+
  | [[Montgomery's glands]] || mammary [[areola]] || sebaceous || -
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[Naboth's glands]] || [[cervix]] and [[os uteri]] || mucous || -
+
  | [[Naboth's glands]] || [[cervix]] and [[os uteri]] || mucous || -
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[olfactory glands]], Bowman's glands ||   [[nose]], [[olfactory]] region || - || -
+
  | [[olfactory glands]], Bowman's glands || [[nose]], [[olfactory]] region || - || -
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[Paneth cells]] || [[small intestine]] || serous || -
+
  | [[Paneth cells]] || [[small intestine]] || serous || -
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[parathyroid glands]], Gley's glands, Sandstroem's glands || [[thyroid]], on surface || - || -
+
  | [[parathyroid glands]], Gley's glands, Sandstroem's glands || [[thyroid]], on surface || - || -
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[parotid gland]] || mouth || serous || tubulo-alveolar
+
  | [[parotid gland]] || mouth || serous || tubulo-alveolar
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[Peyer's patches]] (or glands) || [[ileum]], [[lymphatic]] glands || - || -
+
  | [[Peyer's patches]] (or glands) || [[ileum]], [[lymphatic]] glands || - || -
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[pyloric glands]] || stomach || mucous   || simple branched tubular
+
  | [[pyloric glands]] || stomach || mucous || simple branched tubular
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[sebaceous gland]] || skin || sebum || acinar - branched
+
  | [[sebaceous gland]] || skin || sebum || acinar - branched
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[Skene's glands]], Guérin's glands || [[vagina]] || - || -
+
  | [[Skene's glands]], Guérin's glands || [[vagina]] || - || -
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[sublingual gland]], Rivini's gland || mouth || mucus (primarily) || tubulo-alveolar
+
  | [[sublingual gland]], Rivini's gland || mouth || mucus (primarily) || tubulo-alveolar
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[submandibular gland]] || mouth || mixed (M+S) || tubulo-alveolar
+
  | [[submandibular gland]] || mouth || mixed (M+S) || tubulo-alveolar
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[sudoriparous glands]], Boerhaave's glands || [[skin]] || - || -
+
  | [[sudoriparous glands]], Boerhaave's glands || [[skin]] || - || -
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[Sigmund's glands]] || [[epitrochlear]] [[lymph node]]s || - || -
+
  | [[Sigmund's glands]] || [[epitrochlear]] [[lymph node]]s || - || -
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[Suzanne's gland]] || mouth, beneath the [[alveolingual]] groove || mucous || -
+
  | [[Suzanne's gland]] || mouth, beneath the [[alveolingual]] groove || mucous || -
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[Weber's glands]] || tongue || mucous || tubular
+
  | [[Weber's glands]] || tongue || mucous || tubular
 
  |-  
 
  |-  
−
  | [[Glands of Zeis]] || eyelids, free edges   || sebaceous || -
+
  | [[Glands of Zeis]] || eyelids, free edges || sebaceous || -
 
|}
 
|}
  
Line 157: Line 156:
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
*{{1911}}
 
*{{1911}}
−
* Howat, H. T., and H. Sarles. 1979. ''The Exocrine Pancreas''. Philadelphia: Saunders. ISBN 0721647790.
+
* Howat, H. T., and H. Sarles. ''The Exocrine Pancreas''. Philadelphia: Saunders, 1979. ISBN 0721647790.
−
* Silverthorn, D. 2004. ''Human Physiology, An Integrated Approach'' (3rd Edition). San Francisco, C.A.: Benjamin Cummings. ISBN 0131020153.
+
* Silverthorn, D. ''Human Physiology, An Integrated Approach'' (3rd Edition). San Francisco, CA: Benjamin Cummings, 2004. ISBN 0131020153.  
  
 
{{Glands}}
 
{{Glands}}
  
 
{{credit|Gland|136924084|Exocrine_gland|128287538|Endocrine_glands|127535005}}
 
{{credit|Gland|136924084|Exocrine_gland|128287538|Endocrine_glands|127535005}}
−
[[Category:Living sciences]]
+
[[Category:life sciences]]
 +
[[Category:Anatomy and physiology]]

Latest revision as of 17:00, 21 August 2008


Human submaxillary gland. At the right is a group of mucous alveoli, at the left a group of serous alveoli.

A gland is an organ or a collection of cells (a tissue) in an animal's body that processes substances from the blood into a newly synthesized or concentrated chemical substance for secretion, either for use by another part of the body or for elimination from the body. The two classes of glands are endocrine glands, which synthesize a hormone for release into the bloodstream, and exocrine glands, which secrete a substance directly into cavities inside the body or onto its outer surface. More broadly, the term gland is sometimes expanded to include any collection of cells that secretes a chemical substance, such as plant glands that produce nectar in flowers.

Considered as a group, the endocrine glands make up the endocrine system, representatives of which include the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal gland, and pancreas. Hormones from the endocrine glands circulate widely throughout the blood system often triggering a response in an organ or tissue far from the gland of origin. The exocrine glands secreting their products through ducts are also known as duct glands. Typical exocrine glands include sweat glands, salivary glands, mammary glands, and many glands of the digestive system.

Some glands would qualify for both groups because of their dual functions. The pancreas, for example, has both an endocrine function in releasing hormones into the bloodstream and an exocrine function in releasing digestive enzymes into the digestive tract. Other glands serving similar dual functions include the liver, ovaries, and testes.

Although the endocrine and exocrine glands considered together as a family are identified as the instruments of secretion in the animal world, they are only the larger, more obvious sources of secretions. Other sources of secretions include the heart, gut, skin, and kidneys, for example. They each secrete hormones into the blood that travel an often-long distance before interacting with a cell to the extent of affecting which genes are converted into proteins. The glands and all other sources of secretions, being part of a single organism, are nurtured by the same blood, which is maintained by the whole organism as it moves, breaths, eats, digests, eliminates, and sleeps depending on the balanced functioning of all its glands. In this we see reflected the interdependent relations characteristic of both living and social systems.

Formation

During an organism's embryonic development, its glands are formed by an ingrowth from an epithelial surface. This ingrowth may from the beginning possess a tubular structure, or, in other instances, it may start as a solid column of cells that subsequently becomes tubulated.

As growth proceeds, the column of cells may divide or give off offshoots, in which case a compound gland is formed. In many glands, the number of branches is limited; in others (salivary, pancreas), a very large structure is finally formed by repeated growth and sub-division. In compound glands, the secretory epithelium forms the terminal portion of each branch, and the uniting portions form ducts and are lined with a less modified type of epithelial cell.

Glands are classified according to their shape.

  • If the gland retains its shape as a tube throughout it is termed a tubular gland.
  • In the second main variety of gland, the secretory portion is enlarged and the lumen variously increased in size. These are termed alveolar or saccular glands.

Endocrine glands

Endocrine glands secrete their product directly onto a surface rather than through a duct. The human body contains several endocrine glands and cells that secrete hormones that carry out certain functions. The main glands in humans are the pineal gland, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, adrenal gland, pancreas, and the reproductive glands (ovaries in women and testes in men).

Endocrine glands make up part of the endocrine system, which also includes hormones, and target cells as the three main elements.

Other organs of the body also produce and secrete hormones, but are generally not considered part of the endocrine system; these include the heart, kidney, liver, thymus, skin, and placenta. Sometimes the thymus gland and the kidney are included as part of the endocrine system, and the pineal gland sometimes is not included.

Greater detail on endocrine glands can be assessed here and a list of endocrine glands is available here.

Exocrine glands

Exocrine glands release their secretions through ducts into the external environment (Silverthorn 2004), or directly onto the exterior surface or an area contiguous with the exterior surface, not utilizing the blood to deliver the product. They include such glands as the salivary glands, sweat glands, and glands within the gastrointestinal tract. Most utilize ducts, but some glands classified as exocrine glands, such as the digestive glands in the intestine and the sebaceous glands of the skin, actually open directly onto the body surface.

The chemical substances released by exocrine glands include sweat, digestive enzymes, tears (through tear ducts), and even silk from spiders or silkworm larvae.

There are multiple ways of classifying exocrine glands:

Structure. Exocrine glands contain a glandular portion and a duct portion, the structures of which can be used to classify the gland.

  • The duct portion may be branched (called compound) or unbranched (called simple).
  • The glandular portion may be tubular, acinar, or may be a mix of the two (called tubuloacinar). If the glandular portion branches, then the gland is called a branched gland.

Method of secretion. Exocrine glands are named apocrine, holocrine, or merocrine glands based on how their product is secreted.

  • Apocrine glands. In apocrine glands, a portion of the plasma membrane buds off the cell, containing the secretion, such that a portion of the secreting cell's body is lost during secretion. Apocrine gland is often used to refer to the apocrine sweat glands, however it is thought that apocrine sweat glands may not be true apocrine glands as they may not use the apocrine method of secretion.
  • Holocrine glands. In holocrine glands, the entire cell disintegrates to secrete its substance (e.g., sebaceous glands).
  • Merocrine glands. In merocrine glands, cells secrete their substances by exocytosis (e.g., mucous and serous glands). Also called "eccrine."

Product secreted

  • Serous glands. Serous glands secrete a watery, often protein-rich and often enzymes. Examples include chief cells and Paneth cells.
  • Mucous glands. Mucous glands secrete a viscous product, rich in carbohydrates (eg. glycoproteins). Examples include Brunner's glands, esophageal glands, and pyloric glands.
  • Mixed glands. Mixed glands secrete both protein and mucus. Examples include the salivary glands, although parotid gland is predominantly serous, and sublingual gland is predominantly mucous.
  • Sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands secrete a lipid product.


Types of exocrine glands

Glands typically may be referred to by two or more means, though some terms are rarely seen. The names of the anatomists who first described them are often employed.

name(s) location product structure
apocrine sweat glands skin - coiled tubular
Bartholin's glands, Tiedmann's glands, vulvovaginal glands vulva, vagina - -
Baughin's glands, anterior lingual glands tongue, near tip nonserious or mixed -
Brunner's glands, duodenal glands duodenum mucous compound tubular
bulbourethral glands, Cowper's glands, Mery's glands penis, base - -
Ciaccio's glands, accessory lacrimal glands eye - -
Cobelli's glands esophagus, just above the cardia, in the mucosa mucous -
Duverney's gland vagina, on either side - -
Ebner's glands tongue mucous -
eccrine sweat glands skin - coiled tubular
esophageal glands esophagus mucous racemose
exocrine pancreas pancreas serous tubulo-acinar
Fränkel's glands vocal cords, below the edge - -
gastric chief cell, Wasmann's glands stomach serous -
glomus coccygeum, coccygeal gland, Luschka's gland or ganglion coccyx, near the tip - -
goblet cells digestive tract, respiratory tract mucous simple unicellular
Henle's glands eyelids, in the conjuctiva - tubular
Huguier's glands vagina - -
Krause's glands conjunctiva, middle portion mucous -
Lieberkuhn's glands intestines, surface of mucous membrane - simple tubular
Littré's glands, Morgagni's glands spongy portion of the urethra - racemose
mammary gland breast - compound tubulo-acinar
Meibomian gland eyelids sebaceous -
Moll's glands eyelids - -
Montgomery's glands mammary areola sebaceous -
Naboth's glands cervix and os uteri mucous -
olfactory glands, Bowman's glands nose, olfactory region - -
Paneth cells small intestine serous -
parathyroid glands, Gley's glands, Sandstroem's glands thyroid, on surface - -
parotid gland mouth serous tubulo-alveolar
Peyer's patches (or glands) ileum, lymphatic glands - -
pyloric glands stomach mucous simple branched tubular
sebaceous gland skin sebum acinar - branched
Skene's glands, Guérin's glands vagina - -
sublingual gland, Rivini's gland mouth mucus (primarily) tubulo-alveolar
submandibular gland mouth mixed (M+S) tubulo-alveolar
sudoriparous glands, Boerhaave's glands skin - -
Sigmund's glands epitrochlear lymph nodes - -
Suzanne's gland mouth, beneath the alveolingual groove mucous -
Weber's glands tongue mucous tubular
Glands of Zeis eyelids, free edges sebaceous -

Additional images

  • Section of the human esophagus. Moderately magnified.

  • Dissection of a lactating breast.

  • Section of submaxillary gland of kitten. Duct semidiagrammatic.

  • Section of pancreas of dog. X 250.

  • Dissection of a lactating breast.

  • Section of portion of mamma.

  • Apocrine

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.
  • Howat, H. T., and H. Sarles. The Exocrine Pancreas. Philadelphia: Saunders, 1979. ISBN 0721647790.
  • Silverthorn, D. Human Physiology, An Integrated Approach (3rd Edition). San Francisco, CA: Benjamin Cummings, 2004. ISBN 0131020153.


Glands (Endocrine, Exocrine)

mechanism (Merocrine, Apocrine, Holocrine) shape (Tubular gland, Alveolar gland) secretion (Serous glands, Mucous glands, Serous demilune)

Ducts: Interlobar duct, Interlobular duct, Intralobular duct (Striated duct, Intercalated duct), Acinus

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