exocrine

/'eksəkrain/

Thân thiện

The exocrine pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to glands that secrete substances through ducts to an external or internal body surface: Describes glands or their secretions that are released via ducts, not directly into the bloodstream. This contrasts with endocrine glands.
2. Noun:
   • A gland that secretes its products through a duct: An organ that releases substances like sweat, saliva, or digestive enzymes onto a body surface or into a cavity via a tube-like structure.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The salivary glands are classic exocrine structures.
  • Pancreatic exocrine function is crucial for digestion.
• Noun:
  • The pancreas acts as both an endocrine and an exocrine.
  • Sweat glands are exocrines that help regulate body temperature.

Advanced Usage

• Exocrine secretion: The process or product of an exocrine gland.
  • The exocrine secretion of the stomach includes hydrochloric acid and pepsin.
• Exocrine portion: Refers specifically to the ductal part of a gland.
  • The exocrine portion of the pancreas produces digestive enzymes.

Variants and Related Words

• Exocrinology (n): The study of exocrine glands and their secretions.
• Exocrinous (adj): A less common variant meaning pertaining to exocrine glands.

Synonyms

• Duct gland: A direct synonym emphasizing the presence of a duct.
• Glandula exocrina (n): The Latin-derived technical term.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Exocrine gland dysfunction: A malfunction of an exocrine gland.
  • Cystic fibrosis is associated with exocrine gland dysfunction.
• Exocrine system: The collective system of exocrine glands in the body.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. of or relating to exocrine glands or their secretions

Noun

1. a gland that secretes externally through a duct

Từ đồng nghĩa

• exocrine gland
• duct gland