What is the Difference Between Endocrine and Exocrine Glands?

The main difference between endocrine and exocrine glands lies in the way they secrete their products. Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, while exocrine glands secrete substances through ducts onto the body's surfaces or into internal organs. Some examples of endocrine glands include the thyroid glands, parathyroid glands, pituitary glands, and adrenal glands. Examples of exocrine glands include the salivary glands, liver, and pancreas.

Here are some key differences between endocrine and exocrine glands:

• Ducts: Endocrine glands do not have ducts, while exocrine glands have ducts.
• Secretory products: Endocrine glands release hormones, while exocrine glands secrete substances such as sweat, enzymes, mucus, and sebum.
• Target cells: Secretory products from endocrine glands reach target cells through the bloodstream, while exocrine glands secrete substances to an internal organ or the external surface.
• Examples: Thyroid glands, parathyroid glands, pituitary glands, adrenal glands are examples of endocrine glands, while salivary glands, liver, Brunner's glands, and oesophageal glands are examples of exocrine glands.

Some glands, like the liver and pancreas, have both endocrine and exocrine functions, meaning they secrete substances through ducts and also secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Comparative Table: Endocrine vs Exocrine Glands

Here is a table comparing the differences between endocrine and exocrine glands:

Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, which helps regulate various physiological processes. Exocrine glands, on the other hand, secrete substances through ducts onto the surface of internal organs or the external surface of the body. These secretions facilitate digestion, lubrication, protection, temperature regulation, and other specific functions.