zewntrzwydzielnicze

Zewntrzwydzielnicze is a Polish term that translates to exocrine in English. It refers to glands that secrete their products into ducts. These ducts then carry the secretions to a specific location, either an external surface of the body or an internal cavity. This is in contrast to endocrine glands, which secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Exocrine glands are diverse and perform a wide range of functions. Examples include sweat glands, which secrete sweat onto the skin to regulate body temperature; salivary glands, which secrete saliva into the mouth to aid digestion; and mammary glands, which secrete milk to nourish offspring. Digestive glands in the stomach and intestines are also exocrine, releasing enzymes and other substances to break down food. The pancreas has both exocrine and endocrine functions, with its exocrine portion producing digestive enzymes released into the small intestine. Sebaceous glands, which secrete sebum to lubricate skin and hair, are another common type of exocrine gland. The classification of a gland as exocrine is based on its mode of secretion and the presence of a duct system.