Anatomy Topic for B.Sc & GNM nursing students- easy explanation. what is gland? what are the types of glands? classification of glands according to structure,and according to function. functions of exocrine and endocrine glands.

1. GLANDS, TYPES AND
CLASSIFICATION & FUNCTIONS
SWATILEKHA DAS
(RN,MSN)

2. DEFINITION OF GLAND
A gland is a group of cells in an animal's body
that synthesizes substances (such as hormones)
for release into the bloodstream (endocrine
gland) or into cavities inside the body or its
outer surface (exocrine gland).

3. TYPES OF GLANDS
The secretary parts and ducts of a gland are
derived from epithelium. Depending on the
method of transportation of its secretion it can be
classified as exocrine and endocrine gland.
i. Exocrine glands
ii. Endocrine glands

5. i. Exocrine glands: those glands which require
ducts for the passage of their secretions are
known as exocrine glands e.g. parotid glands.

6. Types of exocrine glands and their functions-
• Salivary gland: In the buccal cavity secrete saliva. This saliva
has many functions.
• Pancreas: Secretes enzyme amylase, trypsin, and lipase.
These enzymes digest carbohydrates, proteins, and fats
respectively.
• Sperm: Sperms produce Hyaluronidase enzyme by which
they swim in the uterine tissue to reach ova. The
other application of this enzyme is to help the drug reach
inner most tissues of the body.
• Sweat glands: secrete sweat which acts to regulate body
temperature and also excretion.
• Sebaceous gland: secrete sebum in the skin and the ear.
• Lachrymal glands: In eye secrete water to moisten the eye.

7. ii. Endocrine glands: those glands which pour
their secretions directly into blood are known as
endocrine glands or ductless glands e.g. thyroid
gland.
These glands often secrete hormones which play
an important role in maintaining homeostasis.
The pineal gland, thymus gland, pituitary
gland, thyroid gland, and the two adrenal
glands are all endocrine glands.

8. ENDOCRINE GLANDS IN HUMAN BODY

10. A. CLASSIFICATION OF GLANDS
ACCORDING TO THE STRUCTURE
1. Simple glands : are those glands where ducts are not
branched. They can be
a. Tubular: where secretary part is tubule like.
b. Coiled tubular: where secretary part is tubular and
coiled.
c. Branched tubular: where secretary part is tubular and
branched.
d. Acinar: where single main duct is there and secretary
part is sac like.
e. Branched acinar: where secretary part is sac like and
branched.
f. Alveolar: where secretary part is flask shaped.

12. 2. Compound glands: are those glands where
ducts are branched. They can be:
a. Branched tubular: duct is branched and
secretary part is tubular.
b. Branched acinar: duct is branched and
secretary part is sac like.
c. Branched tubuloacinar: duct is branched and
some secretary parts are tubular while others are
sac like.

14. B. CLASSIFICATION OF GLANDS
ACCORDING TO THE FUNCTION
i. Merocrine gland: when secretions are
released by exocytosis. No part of the cell is
lost in secretion e.g. sweat gland.

15. ii. Apocrine gland: when apical
part of the cell disintegrates to
release its secretions e.g.
sebaceous gland.

16. iii. Holocrine gland: when
the entire cell
disintegrates to release
its secretions e.g.
mammary gland(breast).