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Endocrine and Exocrine Glands Differences in Biology Import Concepts Must to Know

Question. Difference Between Endocrine and Exocrine Glands.

Answer:

Endocrine Glands:

  • These are the glands that secrete chemical substances into the bloodstream or tissues of the body. Endocrine glands are ductless i.e.. , they do not go to any duct before releasing chemical substances also known as hormones in the bloodstream.
  • Hormones are messengers that are responsible for telling some part of the body to do something or to cease doing something.

Examples of Endocrine Glands:

  • Pineal gland located in the brain secretes melatonin in response to the dark conditions in the environment and induces sleep. It also regulates the female reproductive cycle and starts puberty. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are the hormones that cause puberty to look hard.
  • Ovaries are glands that release estrogen and progesterone to give female characteristics.
  • Testes are the glands that release testosterone to promote male characteristics.

Exocrine Glands:

  • These are the glands that secrete chemical substances into ducts that help in releasing the secretions.
  • Most of these glands release the secretions to the outside of the body whereas others release the secretions to the outside of the gland onto a surface still within the body.
  • It can also be said that these glands synthesize and secrete their products onto a surface directly or via a tube/duct. Some ducts are also known to modify the secretions.

Examples of Exocrine Glands:

  • Pancreatic acinar cell: Its secretions are stored in vesicles and transported to the apical surface and then released (exocytosis) and it is called merocrine secretion.
  • Lactating mammary gland secretion is released with some cytoplasm surrounded by plasma membrane; this kind is called apocrine secretion.
  • Sebaceous gland involves programmed cell death where secretions and cell debris are released. It is called holocrine secretion.
Table of Difference between Endocrine and Exocrine GlandsTable of Difference between Endocrine and Exocrine Glands
Differentiating PropertyEndocrine GlandsExocrine Glands
DefinitionEndocrine glands are the glands that do not have a duct system and release their secretions or hormones directly into the bloodstream.Exocrine glands are the glands with ducts that allow the cells to secrete their products into those ducts so that they can be released onto the surface of the target cells or organs.
DuctsEndocrine glands are ductless glands that release the hormones directly into the bloodstream.Exocrine glands have one or more ducts that transport their secretions.
SecretionsThe secretions of endocrine glands are hormones.The secretions of exocrine glands are enzymes, mucins, ions, water, etc.
Target siteThe target sites of the endocrine glands are present away from the gland.The target sites of the gland are located close to the exocrine gland.
ResponseEndocrine glands exhibit delayed response as the secretions need to be transported to the site of action.Exocrine glands usually show rapid response as the secretions are released directly into the target organs.
TypesEndocrine glands are of three distinct types; trabecular type, follicular type, and disseminated type.Exocrine glands can be differentiated into different types like unicellular and multicellular exocrine glands, merocrine, apocrine and holocrine glands, etc.
FunctionEndocrine glands control the overall structure, growth, and development of the target organs.Exocrine glands monitor the short-term activities and functions of the target organs.
ExamplesSome examples of endocrine glands are the adrenal gland, pituitary gland, ovaries, thyroid gland, etc.Some of the examples of exocrine glands include the sweat gland, liver, pancreatic acini, salivary glands, mammary glands, etc.
Secretory ProductsHormones.Sweat, enzymes, mucus, sebum.
Route of SecretionSecretory products released directly into the bloodstream, eventually reaching the target organ.Secretory products are released to an internal organ or the external surface through a duct.