Exocrine: meaning, definitions and examples
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exocrine
[ ΛΙk.sΙΛkraΙͺn ]
medical biology
Exocrine refers to glands that secrete substances outside the body or into the digestive tract through ducts, as opposed to endocrine glands that release hormones directly into the bloodstream. These secretions can include enzymes, mucus, and other substances crucial for bodily functions.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The pancreas has both exocrine and endocrine functions.
- Exocrine glands play a role in digestion.
- Sweat glands are an example of exocrine glands.
- Tears are produced by an exocrine gland.
- Salivary glands are exocrine glands that secrete saliva.
Word origin
The term 'exocrine' is derived from the Greek words 'exo-' meaning 'out,' and 'krinein,' which means 'to separate' or 'to sift.' The concept of exocrine glands was developed as scientists sought to understand the differences between glandular functions in the body. The classification of glands into exocrine and endocrine types became important in medical and biological sciences, particularly in the context of understanding how various substances are secreted in the body. Over time, the term has been widely adopted in anatomy and physiology to describe the various glandular systems that are distinct in their methods of secretion.