exocrine
/'eksəkrain/
Definition
- 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.
- 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.
Adjective
-
of or relating to exocrine glands or their secretions
Noun
-
a gland that secretes externally through a duct
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