exocrine gland

physiology

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June 26, 2026

Quick Summary

An exocrine gland is a gland that releases secretions through a duct or canal to the surface of an organ or the body. This is distinct from endocrine glands, which secrete substances directly into the bloodstream.12

Examples of exocrine glands include salivary glands and parts of the pancreas. These glands produce and release useful substances, such as enzymes and hormones, which can facilitate biochemical processes, provide lubrication, or offer moisture. Tears and sweat are examples of secretions that are both external and obvious.13

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human endocrine system
…into the bloodstream, and an exocrine gland, which secretes substances through a duct opening in a gland onto an external or internal body surface. Salivary glands and sweat glands are examples of exocrine glands. Both saliva, secreted by the salivary glands, and sweat, secreted by the sweat glands, act on…
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…into the bloodstream, and an exocrine gland, which secretes substances through a duct opening in a gland onto an external or internal body surface. Salivary glands and sweat glands are examples of exocrine glands. Both saliva, secreted by the salivary glands, and sweat, secreted by the sweat glands, act on…
Read More

cystic fibrosis
Pathology
…the functioning of the body’s exocrine glands—e.g., the mucus-secreting and sweat glands—in the respiratory and digestive systems. Within the cells of the lungs and gut, the CFTR protein transports chloride across cell membranes and regulates other channels. These functions are critical for maintaining and adjusting the fluidity of mucous secretions.…
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…the functioning of the body’s exocrine glands—e.g., the mucus-secreting and sweat glands—in the respiratory and digestive systems. Within the cells of the lungs and gut, the CFTR protein transports chloride across cell membranes and regulates other channels. These functions are critical for maintaining and adjusting the fluidity of mucous secretions.…
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pancreatic cancer
…tissues with separate functions: the exocrine pancreas, which secretes enzymes into the digestive tract, aiding the breakdown of fats and proteins, and the endocrine pancreas, which secretes glucagon and insulin into the bloodstream in order to control blood sugar levels. Approximately 95 percent of pancreatic
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…tissues with separate functions: the exocrine pancreas, which secretes enzymes into the digestive tract, aiding the breakdown of fats and proteins, and the endocrine pancreas, which secretes glucagon and insulin into the bloodstream in order to control blood sugar levels. Approximately 95 percent of pancreatic
Read More