How are exocrine glands classified?
1 Answer
Mar 9, 2017
Exocrine glands are classified according to their mode of secretion and their structure.
Explanation:
Exocrine glands are glands that secrete their products through ducts that open onto body surfaces. They can be classified according to their mode of secretion and according to their structure.
Exocrine glands can secrete their products in three different ways (see image for explanation):
- merocrine secretion
- apocrine secretion
- holocrine secretion
Exocrine glands can also be classified according to the structure of their ducts (see image):
- simple types : duct often doesn't branch
- compound types : duct branches multiple types
The outsiders are unicellular exocrine glands. These are single cells that do not have ducts. They are still considered exocrine, because the cells excrete products directly on the surface.
