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Glite Dictionary
exocrine gland

exocrine gland

5.8
A body part that makes and sends liquids through a tube to the body's surface or inside it
  • noun
  • /ˈɛksoʊˌkraɪn ɡlænd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : glándula exocrina
  • The exocrine gland secretes digestive enzymes into the intestines.

Examples

  • The pancreas acts as an exocrine gland by releasing digestive enzymes into the small intestine.

  • Damage to an exocrine gland can disrupt normal bodily functions by affecting secretion processes.

  • Sweat glands are a type of exocrine gland that help regulate body temperature.

  • Can you explain how the exocrine glands function?

  • The exocrine gland in the skin secretes sweat through ducts to help regulate body temperature.

  • Salivary glands are a type of exocrine gland that release saliva into the mouth to aid in digestion.

  • The liver contains exocrine glands that produce bile, which is then secreted into the digestive tract.

Synonyms

duct gland
vsexocrine gland
  • Specialized
5.6

A body part that makes liquid like sweat or saliva and sends it through a tube to a surface

has identical meaning but is a different term for the same gland
exocrine
vsexocrine gland
  • Specialized
9.3

A gland that sends its liquid out through a tube onto a surface not into the blood

includes ducts that open to external or internal surfaces not only outward release

Antonyms

endocrine gland
  • Specialized
1 4.3

A part of the body that makes hormones and sends them into the blood

Surface Forms

exocrine gland singular
exocrine glands plural

Morphology

exocrine + gland

The meaning is directly derivable from combining 'exocrine' (describing glands that release secretions through ducts) with 'gland' (an organ that releases fluids), yielding 'a gland that secretes via ducts to a surface.' This is a descriptive, compositional biomedical term that follows a standard modifier+noun pattern and is cross-linguistically transparent, so a learner who knows both constituents will understand it.

Etymology

The term exocrine gland comes from Greek parts exo meaning 'outside' and crine meaning 'to release'. This picture helps: exocrine glands send their liquids through a small tube called a duct to an outside or inner surface of the body, so they 'pour out' their substances rather than putting them into the blood.