Exocrine Glands Overview

Definition: Simple glands are categorized based on the shape of their secretory portions.
- Key shapes include:
- Simple tubular: Shaped like a tube.
- Simple coiled tubular: Shaped like a coil.
- Simple branched tubular: Features multiple secretory branches.
- Simple alveolar (acinar): Outpouching of the secretory portion.
- Simple branched alveolar: Involves branches of multiple acinar-shaped secretory portions.
Examples of Simple Glands:
- Simple branched alveolar:
- Simple tubular:
- Merocrine glands:
- Examples: Sweat glands, mucous glands of the esophagus, tongue, and duodenum.
- Gastric glands: Not found in adults.

Definition: Compound glands are characterized by branched duct portions of the secretory glands.
- Key categories include:
- Compound tubular: More than one branch with tube-like secretory portions.
- Compound alveolar (acinous): More than one branch with acinar-type secretory portions.
- Compound tubulo-alveolar: More than one branch combining tubular and alveolar-type secretory portions.
Examples of Compound Glands:
- Compound tubular:
- Mucous glands (in mouth)
- Bulbourethral glands (in male reproductive system)
- Testes (seminiferous tubules)
- Compound alveolar (acinous):
- Mammary glands
- Compound tubulo-alveolar:
- Salivary glands
- Glands of respiratory passages
- Pancreas

Figure 2.22: Structure of simple exocrine glands.
- Details:
- Secretory portion is depicted in pink.
- Duct is depicted in purple.
Figure 2.23: Structure of compound exocrine glands.
- Details:
- Indicates the secretory portion in pink and the duct in purple.

Interaction Prompt: A key concept includes clicking on images to match names to the proper glands as a practice quiz.
Note: If using a smaller screen, the right side of the puzzle may appear off-screen; closing the course navigation menu is suggested to access the full content.