Exocrine gland

An exocrine gland releases its products through ducts onto an epithelial surface or into a body cavity, rather than directly into the bloodstream.

Exocytosis: A cellular process in which a vesicle fuses with the plasma membrane and releases its contents outside the cell. Many gland cells release stored secretory products by fusing vesicles with their cell membranes.
Acinus: A small, rounded cluster of secretory cells arranged around a central lumen. Acini are common secretory units in glands such as the pancreas and salivary glands.
Salivary gland: A gland that secretes saliva into the mouth. Salivary glands combine ducts and secretory units to deliver enzymes and lubricating fluid.
Endocrine gland: A ductless gland that releases hormones into interstitial fluid and, typically, the bloodstream. Its ductless route distinguishes endocrine secretion from exocrine delivery.
Cystic fibrosis: An inherited disorder caused by CFTR gene variants that produce abnormally thick secretions in several organs. Altered duct secretions can obstruct exocrine tissues, especially in the lungs and pancreas.
Merocrine secretion: A secretion mode in which gland cells release products by exocytosis without losing cellular material. This is the common release mode in salivary glands and the exocrine pancreas.
Tubular gland: A gland whose secretory portion forms a tube, straight or coiled. Intestinal crypts and sweat glands illustrate tubular secretory architecture.
Exocrine pancreas: The pancreatic tissue that secretes digestive enzymes and bicarbonate into the small intestine. It illustrates secretion into a body cavity through a connected duct system.
Mixed gland: An organ or gland containing both exocrine and endocrine secretory components. The pancreas combines ducted digestive secretion with hormone release into blood.
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency: A condition in which the pancreas does not deliver enough digestive enzymes to the intestine. Insufficient ducted enzyme secretion prevents normal digestion and nutrient absorption.

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