Exocrine glands are a type of gland that releases substances through openings (ducts) onto your body surfaces. These glands secrete sweat, tears, saliva, milk, and digestive juices.
Examples of exocrine glands include:
- Sweat glands: Secrete sweat to cool the body.
- Tear glands: Secrete tears to lubricate the eyes.
- Salivary glands: Secrete saliva to aid in digestion.
- Mammary glands: Secrete milk to nourish infants.
- Digestive glands: Secrete digestive juices to break down food.
Other glands in the body, such as the endocrine glands, release hormones directly into the bloodstream. These glands do not have ducts.
