Question

Name any one heterocrine gland?

Answer 1

Hint:Heterocrine glands can be defined as a gland which has properties and functions of both endocrine and exocrine glands.

Complete answer:
Let us look into what a gland is first. A gland is an organ which has the ability to produce and release chemical substances which are known as hormones. There are three types of glands,
Endocrine glands
Heterocrine glands
Exocrine glands

Heterocrine glands are those glands which have performed the functions of both endocrine and exocrine glands. It is also known as composite glands. Examples of heterocrine glands include - Pancreas, Testes and ovary.
Pancreas acts as a heterocrine gland in the following ways,
>The endocrine part of pancreas is made up of Islets of Langerhans which contains delta cells, alpha cells, beta cells. The alpha cells are responsible for secreting glucagon and the beta cells are responsible for secreting insulin.
>The exocrine part of the pancreas produces enzymes which help in the process of digestion. Enzymes like trypsin and chymotrypsin are secreted for digestion of proteins, pancreatic lipase for digestion of lipids and fats and pancreatic amylase for digestion of carbohydrates.

Additional information:The function of insulin and glucagon are,
>Insulin:- It is secreted by beta cells in presence of high sugar levels and stimulates the process of glycogenesis in liver and muscle cells. It promotes glycolysis and prevent gluconeogenesis
>Glucagon:-It is secreted by alpha cells and acts on adipose tissue and liver. Its secretion is stimulated by low blood glucose levels and it helps in increasing glucose levels by the process of gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. It also inhibits conversion of glucose into lactic acid.

Note:Endocrine glands:- They are ductless glands and they secrete their hormones directly into the bloodstream Examples: Thyroid gland, Adrenal gland
>Exocrine gland:-They are duct glands as the hormones produced by them are secreted through duct. Examples: Mammary glands, sweat glands