Exocrine Glands

• Exocrine glands secrete to the surface of the body or the lumen of the gut
• Exocrine glands produce and secrete substances via a duct onto an epithelial surface
• Exocrine glands are composed of a cluster of secretory cells forming an acinus (plural = acini)
• The acini are surrounded by a basement membrane and held together by tight junctions between secretory cells
• Secretory cells have a highly developed ER and golgi network for material secretion and are rich in mitochondria
• Exocrine products are released via secretory vesicles into a duct connecting to an epithelial surface
• Ducts may arise from a convergence of smaller ductules connected to an acinus to enhance secretion
• Salivary glands – secrete saliva which contains amylase
• Gastric glands – secretes gastric juices which includes hydrochloric acid and proteases
• Pancreatic glands – secretes pancreatic juices which include lipase, protease and amylase
• Intestinal glands – secretes intestinal juices via crypts of Lieberkuhn in the intestinal wall
• Structure of a Typical Exocrine Gland