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

269598 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Example the process of Speciation


How is air breathed in to the lungs so that oxygen reaches the gas exchange surfaces?


Explain how oxygen is loaded, transported and unloaded in red blood cells


Explain how a change in a sequence of DNA bases could result in a non-functional enzyme


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences