Session 4 ILO's - Glands

Question 1

Define a gland

Answer 1

An epithelial cell or an aggregate of epithelial cells that are specialised for the secretion of a substance

Question 2

Classify different types of glandular tissue

Answer 2

• Glands are classified based on:
  1) Mode of secretion
  2) Their structure

There are 3 modes of secretion:

• Merocrine: exocytosis e.g most glands
• Apocrine: secreted droplets covered by plasma lemma e.g. fat droplets in milk
• Holocrine: whole cell breaks down e.g. sebaceous gland of skin

Question 3

Describe the meaning of the following terms:
- Exocrine
- Endocrine
- Merocrine
- Apocrine
- Holocrine.