Definition
Glands are important organs locate throughout the body. ”In human, A gland is a group of cell or a secreting organ that produce and release chemical substance that perform certain function”.
The glands are of two types based on the mode in which they are released or secreted. Endocrine gland( these are ductless gland ) and Exocrine gland ( these gland have duct).
This substance can take the form of hormone , sweat, saliva, mucus, or acids.
Types of glands
The gland are of basically two types based on the mode in which they are released or secreted.
1- Endocrine glands
2- Exocrine glands
Endocrine glands
These are ductless gland (do not have gland).
Their secretion and directly released into the blood which carries them to various parts of the body. ”The glands that make up the endocrine system produce chemical messengers called hormones that travel through the blood to other part of body”.
The endocrine system consists of the following glands:
- adrenal glands
- pituitary gland
- hypothalamus gland
- thyroid gland
- parathyroid glands
- pineal gland
- pancreas
- thymus
- testes (male)
- ovaries (female)
Some examples of body functions that are controlled by the endocrine system including:
They perform the following functions:
- Metabolism(the way you break down food and get energy from nutrients).
- Growth and development.
- Emotions and mood.
- Blood pressure.
- heart rate.
- Sleeping and waking cycles.
- Body temperature.
- Sexual function and reproduction.
- Mood.
Exocrine glands
The exocrine glands have duct.
The secretions from these glands are carried through the duct. The duct may open outside the body to release the secretions (eg. sweat, saliva, milk, and tears) or may be released on to another surface within the body (eg. digestive juices).
Your exocrine glands produce other substance not hormones.
The exocrine system consist of the following glands:
- Sweat glands
- Sebaceous glands
- Salivary glands
- Lacrimal glands
- Mammary glands
Some example of body function that are controlled by the exocrine system including:
They perform the following functions:
- Regulation body temperature.
- Lubrication.
- Lactation.
- Help in digestion.
- Help in respiration.