The endocrine glands are those which release their secretions inside the blood. The blood carries substances throughout the body until it reaches its target organ.
The endocrine glands are those which release their secretions inside the blood. The blood carries substances throughout the body until it reaches its target organ. The exocrine glands are the glands that release their secretions directly into the target organ or tissue.
There are some things that our body needs in large amounts to function. Conversely, some substances drive the show by being present only in small quantities. One of such substances is a hormone. Commonly referred to as chemical messengers, hormones are substances that control or affect our processes in large numbers by being present in small amounts in our blood.
Exocrine and endocrine glands
Before proceeding further, we should be familiar with these 2 words. In short, the exocrine glands are the glands that release their secretions directly into the target organ or tissue. The target organ/tissue is the one that will react to a glandular secretion. Alternatively, the endocrine glands are those that release their secretions into the blood. The blood carries substances throughout the body until it reaches its target organ. These secretions are dysfunctional or will not affect organs or tissues that do not possess specific receptors for secretions, namely, those that do not target organs.
Another way to differentiate between the two words is the exocrine glands transport their secretions, while the endocrine glands are ductless. For example, sweat glands, exocrine glands, and specific ducts. Alternatively, the pituitary gland is an endocrine gland and lacks these ducts.
Hormones are secretions of the endocrine glands. The endocrine system works with the nervous system to bring balance to our body and regulate various functions. While the latter uses electrical impulses, the former uses hormones.
| Endocrine | Exocrine |
| The endocrine glands secrete hormones into the blood. | The exocrine glands secrete mucus or protein outside the body. |
| The endocrine secretions are commonly used in the body’s complex circulatory system and can bring many changes in body chemistry. | Various substances produced by the exocrine glands are often used to lubricate various systems, rid the body of harmful microorganisms, or adjust body temperature. |
| The endocrine glands are often found deep within the body. The adrenal gland, located at the apex of the kidney, and the pituitary gland found in the brain, are two of the more well-known glands of the endocrine system. | For the most part, the exocrine glands are located near the surface of the skin or in the cavities of the body that go outside the body, such as the eyes, nose, mouth, or sexual organs. The digestive system is also home to the exocrine glands that can be found along its entire length. |
| The endocrine glands can communicate with distant systems in the body. | Exocrine glands are not able to communicate with distant systems in the body. |
| The endocrine glands secrete hormones that control many processes occurring in the body. When a person is put into a dangerous situation, the secretion from the adrenal gland instructs the heart to beat at a faster rate and to rise to fight or run the risk of blood pressure. | Many of the exocrine glands produce mucus, a dilute substance made up of glycoproteins and water, used to lubricate organs such as the eyes and esophagus and capture harmful substances coming into the body through the mucous membrane goes. |
| These and other glands in the endocrine system release hormones into a person’s bloodstream, sending messages that can be received throughout the body. | Exocrine glands near the surface of the skin release sweat, a substance used to cool the body if the internal temperature rises too high. |
| The pituitary gland is responsible for the development and sexual maturation as well as many other processes. | Some of these glands secrete proteins that can aid digestion. |
Conclusion
We discussed the major differences between Endocrine and Exocrine. If you have any questions regarding this topic, then please let us know in the comment section.
