exocrine

What is it?
Refers to glands that deposit their secretion(s) into ducts that drain to the "exterior". Examples: salivary, sweat, and gastric glands. Compare endocrine glands.

The diagram shows the major topological relationships in the body.

The linings of all

  • exocrine glands, including digestive glands,
  • nasal passages, trachea, and lungs,
  • kidney tubules, collecting ducts, and bladder,
  • reproductive structures like the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes

are all continuous with the surface of the body. Anything placed within their lumen (the cavity inside a tubular structure such as a blood vessel) is, strictly speaking, outside the body. This includes

  • the secretions of all exocrine glands (in contrast to the secretions of endocrine glands, which are deposited in the blood).
  • Any indigestible material placed in the mouth which will appear, in due course, at the other end.
 
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