The functions of Exocrine Glands are different for each gland. Hovever the Exocrine Glands are all producing and secreting important substances, such as tears, sweat, tears, saliva or baby milk. Exocrine Glands release these substances through ducts inside or outside your body (see below).
Difference Between Endocrine and Exocrine Glands
There are a major difference between the Endocrine and Exocrine Glands and it is easy to confuse them. Endocrine Glands form part of the Endocrine System and releases hormones (chemical messengers) into your bloodstream to regulate targeted organ activity. Exocrine Glands from part of the Integumentary System. These are glands with ducts that act on local tissues near the duct openings.
The Integumentary System description below assists you to understand how the system works. This is beneficial to you in making more informed choices regarding healthy hair and skin health supplements. Your diet alone could easily fall short in the supplying the Integumentary System the nutrients to cope with loss in skin elasticity, aging and performing the vital integumentary functions.
Functions of Exocrine Glands
Exocrine System is and human organ system that consists of Exocrine Glands. The functions of Exocrine Glands are discussed below:
- Ceruminous Glands: The Ceruminous Glands produce earwax (cerumen) which keeps the ear canals clean and pliable. In addition cerumen, lubricate the and protect the eardrums against water, bacteria, fungi, insects, etc.
- Lacrimal Glands: The Lacrimal Glands secrete the aqueous layer of the tear film, containing proteins, electrolytes and water. It nourishes and protects the ocular surface of the eye. In other words, the Lacrimal Glands produce tears that clean, moisten and lubricate the eyes.
- Mammary Glands: The mother’s hormones (e.g. Estrogen) control the Mammary Glands that is responsible for lactation. Lactation is the production of milk for baby nourishment. The location of the Mammary Glands is within the breasts of females.
- Mucous Glands also known as Muciparous Glands: Mucous Glands produce and secrete mucus, slimy substance for lubrication and protection epithelial cells. Mucous Glands are located in numerous parts of the human body to protect the Respiratory, Digestive, Reproductive, Urinary and Nervous Systems.
- Salivary Glands: Salivary Glands lubricate the mouth by producing and secreting saliva. Saliva is watery liquid that provides lubrication for chewing and swallowing. Saliva is mixture of water, electrolytes, mucus, white blood cells, epithelial cells, digestive enzymes and antibacterial agents and lysozyme that helps with digestion.
- Sebaceous Glands: The Sebaceous Glands produce and secrete an oily matter (sebum) to condition and protect your skin and hair. The sebum waterproof, inhibit bacteria and avoid our hair and skin from drying out.
- Sudoriferous Glands also known as Sweat Glands: The Sudoriferous Glands regulate body temperature by producing and secreting sweat. The Sudoriferous Glands are small glands in the dermis of the skin (see diagram).
