Is saliva an endocrine or exocrine secretion? Why?

1 Answer
Oct 23, 2016

saliva is exocrine

Explanation:

This is a terminology question:

Endocrine = substances released directly into the bloodstream of the body

Exocrine = substances released to the outside of the body

Technically speaking, saliva is released in the mouth, but this is not considered to be "inside" the body.

A good comparison would be the pancreas, which has both endocrine and exocrine function. Its exocrine function is to secrete enzymes into the intestine to help digest fatty acids whereas its endocrine function is to secrete insulin into the bloodstream.

~AP