What is a gland and its Functions? Types of Glands

A gland is an organ (or even a cell) in our body which secretes some chemical substances. The glands are of 2 types, namely endocrine glands and exocrine glands.

Endocrine glands are called as ductless glands as they release their secretions directly into the blood stream.

In contrast exocrine glands release their secretions through ducts.

Sweat and sebaceous glands in the skin, the mammary glands, mucous glands in the digestive and respiratory tract, salivary glands are the examples of the exocrine glands. Pancreas contains both structure as well as function of exocrine and endocrine glands.

Role of Endocrine Glands:

• Endocrine glands plays a crucial role in regulating body functions along with the brain and nerves.
• The substances which are secreted by the endocrine glands are called as “hormones”.
• Endocrine glands regulate the growth, metabolism, fertility and pregnancy.
• These hormones are described as the chemical messengers and act as the catalysts.
• Hormones are released in very small amounts to perform the activity.
• The hormone which is not utilised is metabolised by the liver. Hormones speeds up the rate of reaction without itself being affected.

  Endocrine System, organ systems