Holokriinisen

Holokriinisen refers to a type of glandular secretion where the entire secretory cell disintegrates to release its product. This process is distinct from merocrine secretion, where the cell remains intact, and apocrine secretion, where only a portion of the cell is shed. In holocrine secretion, the cell accumulates its secretory product and then undergoes programmed cell death, with the cell membrane rupturing to liberate the contents. This type of secretion is often associated with lipids and viscous substances.

Examples of holocrine glands are found in various tissues. The sebaceous glands of the skin, responsible for producing sebum, are a classic example. Sebum helps to lubricate the skin and hair, providing protection. Another example is the meibomian glands in the eyelids, which secrete an oily substance that prevents tear evaporation. The glands in the ear canal that produce earwax also exhibit holocrine secretion. The lifecycle of a holocrine cell involves proliferation, maturation, accumulation of secretion, and eventual lysis. This continuous renewal process ensures a steady supply of the secretory product. The mechanism ensures the release of a complex mixture of lipids and other cellular components.