What Are Glands? The Anatomy And Function
A gland is an organ that consists of specialized epithelial cells and produce secretions. The material secreted by gland is usually in liquid form such as enzyme, hormone, mucus and fat.
Classify glands according to the mode of their secretion.
According to the mode of secretion, the glands are classified into three types – merocrine, apocrine and holocrine.
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The details are as follows:
1. Merocrine:
The secretion is released by exocytosis of the cell membrane in the form of secretory granules,
Example: Most glands of the body such as salivary glands and pancreas.
2. Apocrine:
The secretion first accumulates in the apical portion of the cell. Then the apical portion of the cell along with the secretion is pinched off and discharged. The pinched-off portion of the cell becomes a part of secretion,
Example: Mammary glands.
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3. Holocrine:
In this type, the entire secretory cell along with the secretory product is shed. In this way, the entire cell becomes a part of the secretion,
Example: Sebaceous glands.
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