Merocrine Gland
Modes of Secretionof exocrine glandsSecretory cells of exocrine glands release their products into ducts in three different ways. The mode of secretion can be classified as merocrine, apocrine, or holocrine.Cells that secrete products via the merocrine method form membrane-bound secretory vesicles internal to the cell. These are moved to the apical surface where the vesicles coalesce with the membrane on the apical surface to release the product. Most glands release their products in this way.In those glands that release product via the apocrinemethod, the apical portions of cells are pinched off and lost during the secretory process. This results in a secretory product that contains a variety of molecular components including those of the membrane. Mammary glands release their products in this manner.The third type of secretory release, holocrine, involves death of the cell. The secretory cell is released and as it breaks apart, the contents of the cell become the secretory product. This mode of secretion results in the most complex secretory product. Some sweat glands located in the axillae, pubic areas, and around the areoli of the breasts release their products in this manner. Sebaceous glands also are of this type.
Endocrine glands secrete their hormones directly into the bloodstream. Exocrine glands secrete their hormones into a duct that leaves the body externally: for example, sweat glands empty onto the skin. Endocrine gland secretes compounds (hormones) into the blood. Exocrine gland secretes compounds outside of the body (including into the GI tract since the GI tract is topologically outside of the body). Exocrine glands have ducts that carry their secretory product to a surface. These glands include the sweat, sebaceous, and mammary glands and, the glands that secrete digestive enzymes.The endocrine glands do not have ducts to carry their product to a surface. They are called ductless glands. The word endocrine is derived from the Greek terms "endo," meaning within, and "krine," meaning to separate or secrete. The secretory products of endocrine glands are called hormones and are secreted directly into the blood and then carried throughout the body where they influence only those cells that have receptor sites for that hormone.
The secretory product of sudoriferous glands, also known as sweat glands, is sweat. Sweat is primarily composed of water, salts, and small amounts of other substances such as urea and ammonia. It helps regulate body temperature by evaporating from the skin's surface.
Tears and saliva are products released by cells using exocytosis. This process involves the fusion of a vesicle containing the product with the cell membrane, releasing the contents outside the cell.
Holocrine glands are a type of secretory gland where the secretory product is formed inside the cytoplasm and the secretion is released by the disruption of the plasma membrane and destruction of the cell. Therefore, holocrine is the answer because it is a secretory gland and cells are lost in the secretion, thus needing continuous reproduction.
merocrine gland
Modes of Secretionof exocrine glandsSecretory cells of exocrine glands release their products into ducts in three different ways. The mode of secretion can be classified as merocrine, apocrine, or holocrine.Cells that secrete products via the merocrine method form membrane-bound secretory vesicles internal to the cell. These are moved to the apical surface where the vesicles coalesce with the membrane on the apical surface to release the product. Most glands release their products in this way.In those glands that release product via the apocrinemethod, the apical portions of cells are pinched off and lost during the secretory process. This results in a secretory product that contains a variety of molecular components including those of the membrane. Mammary glands release their products in this manner.The third type of secretory release, holocrine, involves death of the cell. The secretory cell is released and as it breaks apart, the contents of the cell become the secretory product. This mode of secretion results in the most complex secretory product. Some sweat glands located in the axillae, pubic areas, and around the areoli of the breasts release their products in this manner. Sebaceous glands also are of this type.
The exocrine product of the ovary is the egg, or ovum, which is released during ovulation.
Vesicles perform many functions through complex mechanisms that can involve many aspects of cell regulation. Secretory vesicles in particular are specialized vesicles formed in the trans-golgi apparatus for releasing a product (such as molecule or protein) outside the cell. Secretory vesicles are used for exocytosis. Mast cells use secretory vesicles to release histamine which is a molecule involved immune response. Neurotransmitters can also be transmitted in secretory vesicles from nerve cells.
Vesicles perform many functions through complex mechanisms that can involve many aspects of cell regulation. Secretory vesicles in particular are specialized vesicles formed in the trans-golgi apparatus for releasing a product (such as molecule or protein) outside the cell. Secretory vesicles are used for exocytosis. Mast cells use secretory vesicles to release histamine which is a molecule involved immune response. Neurotransmitters can also be transmitted in secretory vesicles from nerve cells.
This process is called holocrine secretion, where the entire cell containing the secretory product ruptures to release its contents. This differs from merocrine secretion, where secretory products are released through exocytosis without cell damage.
Tears
The secretory product of the conjunctiva is mucus, which helps to keep the eye lubricated and moist. It also contains antibodies and enzymes that help to protect the eye from infections.
The exocrine product of the testes are semen. Semen is made up of sperm and accessory gland secretions that are formed in the testicles.
Endocrine glands secrete their hormones directly into the bloodstream. Exocrine glands secrete their hormones into a duct that leaves the body externally: for example, sweat glands empty onto the skin. Endocrine gland secretes compounds (hormones) into the blood. Exocrine gland secretes compounds outside of the body (including into the GI tract since the GI tract is topologically outside of the body). Exocrine glands have ducts that carry their secretory product to a surface. These glands include the sweat, sebaceous, and mammary glands and, the glands that secrete digestive enzymes.The endocrine glands do not have ducts to carry their product to a surface. They are called ductless glands. The word endocrine is derived from the Greek terms "endo," meaning within, and "krine," meaning to separate or secrete. The secretory products of endocrine glands are called hormones and are secreted directly into the blood and then carried throughout the body where they influence only those cells that have receptor sites for that hormone.
Golgi Apparatus
The primary secretory product of the liver is bile, which is produced by hepatocytes and stored in the gallbladder before being released into the small intestine to aid in digestion and absorption of fats.