Featured image courtesy: Byju’s

Glands are groups of epithelial cells that produce specialised secretions. These secretions perform specific functions in the body and are produced based on the body’s needs and demands. This ensures that their quantity in the body remains fairly constant with the help of the body’s own regulatory mechanisms. Usually handled by the autonomic nervous system.

These glands fall under two main distinct groups; the endocrine and exocrine.

Exocrine glands (ductal glands): these are the glands that discharge and release their secretions onto the epithelial surface of hollow organs and structures directly or through ducts. Eg. Salivary glands, sweat glands, gastric cells, etc. Secretions produced by these glands are mostly enzymatic in nature. Examples of these secretions are sweat, saliva, gastric juices, etc. They are usually localized being released into the site of their actions.

Endocrine glands (ductless glands) are the exact opposite of the exocrine. These glands produce hormones that are directly released into the bloodstream to be transported to it’s sites of action. This make them systemic, as they have to circulate in the blood until they finally reach their target sites. Examples of endocrine glands are adrenal glands, testes, ovaries, thyroid gland, etc. And some of their secretions are the hormones testosterone, oestrogen, thyroxine, antiduiretic hormone, etc.