Anatomy - Glandular Epithelium

Gland

Group of cells that secrete a fluid substance

How are glands classified?

1. Complexity

2. How substances are secreted

How can substances be secreted?

1. Exocrine

2. Endocrine

Exocrine Glands

Secrete substances outwards through a duct.

Endocrine Glands

Ductless, secrete hormones into the bloodstream and can cover long distances

Endocrine Cells

Packed tightly together with capillaries running through the glandular tissue, secrete products through exocytosis into the blood

Merocrine

Cells excrete products via exocytosis, no damage to the cell, “part”

Apocrine

Portion of the cell pinches off with secreted products, damages cell, “tip”

Holocrine

Cells rupture and spill products into the duct, “whole”

Merocrine Example

Sweat glands

Apocrine Example

Mammary glands

Holocrine Example

Sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin

Endocrine Cell Locations

1. Thyroid

2. Thymus

3. Adrenal Glands

4. Pancreas

Merocrine Image

Apocrine Image

Holocrine Image

Exocrine Gland Image

Endocrine Gland Image