What is the difference between an endocrine and exocrine gland?

An endocrine gland secretes its products, for example hormones, directly into the blood. An example of an endocrine gland is the adrenal gland which secretes adenaline made in the adrenal medulla directly into the blood.

 

An exocrine gland secretes its products for example enzymes, into ducts that lead to the target tissue. For example the salivary gland secretes saliva into the collecting duct which leads to the mouth.

It's important to note that the pancreas performs both endocrine and exocrine functions. It releases insulin and glucagon directly into the blood (endocrine) and also secretes pancreatic fluid into the pacreatic duct which leads to the duodenum (exocrine). 

MC
Answered by Maddalena C. Biology tutor

272593 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

In what circumstances and how do humans anaerobically respire?


Colour blindness is a recessive trait caused by an error in the X chromosome. A couple without color blindness are expecting their second child. Their first child was born colour blind. What is the probability of their second child being colour blind?


What is the difference between competetive and non-competetive inhibitors?


How are signals transferred across a synapse?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning