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What is the difference between the endocrine and exocrine gland.

seo-qna
Last updated date: 27th Mar 2024
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MVSAT 2024
Answer
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Hint: Both of the glands secrete some of the other enzymes and hormones, the major difference seen in them is the way by which they secrete their product in the body.

Complete answer:
Endocrine glands – These are said to be the ductless glands of the human body as they directly release hormones in the blood. The endocrine system consists of various endocrine glands that are responsible for the processes occurring in the body. Endocrine glands are complex. An example of some important endocrine glands is the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenals, sex-glands, etc. The internal secretions of these glands are known as hormones
Exocrine glands – These are the glands that have duct associated with it. The Secretions are released to the outer surface of the body or some internal organ with the help of a duct. The secretory products of exocrine glands are enzymes, mucous and other substances. The exocrine glands are simple as compared to the endocrine gland. Some important exocrine glands are salivary glands, liver, pancreas, sweat glands, etc.
S.No ENDOCRINE GLAND EXOCRINE GLAND
1.Secrete the product directly into the blood.Secrete the product through ducts.
2.Secrete hormone.Secrete enzymes.
3.Ductless glandsDuct glands
4.Mainly controls long term activity of the body.Mainly controls short term activity of the body.
5.Example- Thyroid gland and pituitary gland.Example- salivary glands and sweat glands.


Additional Information: -The main endocrine gland is the pituitary gland which directly secretes the hormone into the blood.
-The pituitary gland is the most important gland of the body and is called the ‘master gland’.
-In humans, thy hypothalamus is the main control center for all the endocrine system.
-The largest gland of the body is the pancreas which helps in the transportation of the sugars inside the body.
-The other name of the pineal gland is the third eye because of its location in the back of the head. It also controls the body’s rhythmic cycle and hormonal secretion.
-The thyroid gland is an example of this type of gland that helps in growth and development.
-Sebaceous glands which is an exocrine gland secrete sebum, a lipid product.
- Salivary gland helps in the secretion of saliva which helps in the digestion of food.

Note: Exocrine glands are of three types based on how their products are secreted.
Merocrine glands are the cells that secrete their substances by exocytosis; for example, pancreatic acinar cells.
- Apocrine glands secrete by the portion of the cell membrane that contains the excretion buds off.
-The example of the Holocrine gland is sebaceous glands present in the skin and nose where the disintegration of the cell occurs to release the hormone.