Chapter 5 - Section 5.5 - Study Guide - Assess Your Learning Outcomes - Page 173: 7

Exocrine glands can be classified based on the anatomy of their duct systems and the distribution of their secretory cells. This classification scheme helps describe the structure and function of various exocrine glands. There are three main categories for classifying exocrine glands based on their duct structure and secretory units: **1. Simple Exocrine Glands:** - In simple exocrine glands, the duct system is unbranched and has a single unbranched duct that leads directly to the surface or target organ. - There is only one secretory unit or acinus in simple exocrine glands. - Examples of simple exocrine glands include sweat glands and goblet cells in the respiratory and digestive tracts. **2. Compound Exocrine Glands:** - Compound exocrine glands have a branched duct system that consists of multiple ducts, often with larger ducts that join smaller ones. - The secretory units can be simple or branched and may contain multiple layers of secretory cells. - Compound exocrine glands are typically larger and more complex than simple glands. - Examples include the salivary glands and the pancreas. **3. Tubular and Alveolar (Acinar) Glands:** - This classification is based on the shape of the secretory units within the glands. - **Tubular Glands:** The secretory units are long and tubular in shape. - **Alveolar (Acinar) Glands:** The secretory units are rounded or flask-shaped. - Glands can be purely tubular, purely acinar, or have a combination of both shapes. - The shape of the secretory units can influence the type of secretion produced. - Examples include the gastric glands (tubular) and the sebaceous (oil) glands (acinar). These classifications help describe the diversity of exocrine glands in terms of their structural complexity, duct systems, and secretory unit shapes. It's important to note that the classification of exocrine glands can be more nuanced, with some glands having characteristics that do not fit neatly into one category. Additionally, exocrine glands may produce various types of secretions, such as serous, mucous, or mixed secretions, depending on their specific functions.

Exocrine glands can be classified based on the anatomy of their duct systems and the distribution of their secretory cells. This classification scheme helps describe the structure and function of various exocrine glands. There are three main categories for classifying exocrine glands based on their duct structure and secretory units: **1. Simple Exocrine Glands:** - In simple exocrine glands, the duct system is unbranched and has a single unbranched duct that leads directly to the surface or target organ. - There is only one secretory unit or acinus in simple exocrine glands. - Examples of simple exocrine glands include sweat glands and goblet cells in the respiratory and digestive tracts. **2. Compound Exocrine Glands:** - Compound exocrine glands have a branched duct system that consists of multiple ducts, often with larger ducts that join smaller ones. - The secretory units can be simple or branched and may contain multiple layers of secretory cells. - Compound exocrine glands are typically larger and more complex than simple glands. - Examples include the salivary glands and the pancreas. **3. Tubular and Alveolar (Acinar) Glands:** - This classification is based on the shape of the secretory units within the glands. - **Tubular Glands:** The secretory units are long and tubular in shape. - **Alveolar (Acinar) Glands:** The secretory units are rounded or flask-shaped. - Glands can be purely tubular, purely acinar, or have a combination of both shapes. - The shape of the secretory units can influence the type of secretion produced. - Examples include the gastric glands (tubular) and the sebaceous (oil) glands (acinar). These classifications help describe the diversity of exocrine glands in terms of their structural complexity, duct systems, and secretory unit shapes. It's important to note that the classification of exocrine glands can be more nuanced, with some glands having characteristics that do not fit neatly into one category. Additionally, exocrine glands may produce various types of secretions, such as serous, mucous, or mixed secretions, depending on their specific functions.