What Are Glands?
The glands in the body are organs that produce various chemicals such as hormones, digestive juices (including saliva and tears), sweat, tears, saliva, and milk.
Endocrine glands generate and release compounds directly into the bloodstream.
Exocrine glands secrete substances into a duct or aperture that leads to the inside or outside of the body, depending on the situation.
Endocrine Glands
Endocrine glands are type of gland that produces hormones.
The endocrine system is made up of glands that produce hormones.
They have hormones and then release them into the bloodstream to regulate your metabolism.
Endocrine hormones are in charge of many processes in your body, including:
- Development
- Metabolism
- Mood
- Reproduction
The following are your endocrine glands:
- Adrenal glands
- Pituitary gland
- Hypothalamus
- Thyroid
- Pineal gland
Pancreas, kidneys, ovaries, and testes contain endocrine tissue and act as glands.
Exocrine Glands
Exocrine glands are glands that produce exocrine secretions.
Sweat, saliva, and tears are examples of exocrine gland products that are discharged through ducts to the outside of your body and do not include hormones like progesterone.
The compounds secreted by your exocrine glands perform critical roles in the functioning of your body.
Exocrine glands assist in regulating your body temperature, protecting your skin and eyes, and even helping mothers in the feeding of their children by generating breast milk.
Below are the names of your exocrine glands:
- Salivary
- Sweat
- Mammary
- Sebaceous
- Lacrimal
Lymph nodes are commonly referred to as glands. However, they are not genuine glands in the traditional sense. They’re part of your immune system and assist your body in fighting infection.