Question

What are exocrine and endocrine cells?

Answer 1

Exocrine cells:

1. Exocrine cells release perspiration, mucus, or digestive enzymes through ducts.
2. These cells' output is sent directly to the organ of interest via the ducts.
3. The bile duct, for example, transports bile directly from the gallbladder to the duodenum.

Endocrine cells:

1. Endocrine cells discharge their products directly into the bloodstream rather than through a duct.
2. These cells can be found throughout the body, but they are more prominent in hormone-secreting organs like the pituitary.
3. The products of these cells go through the bloodstream, but they act on specific organs through receptors on the cells of the target organs.
4. Estrogen, for example, has estrogen receptors in the cells of female target organs such as the breasts and the uterus.