The coordinated work of the whole organism is closely connected with the concepts of humoral regulation, exocrine and endocrine glands. Indeed, almost all physiological processes occurring in the human body are carried out in two ways. Firstly, the nervous system organizes a response, and secondly, creates a close relationship with the surrounding factors.
Exocrine gland
The exocrine gland is the gland that produces the so-called secret, that is, a substance that is subsequently excreted outside the human body. It is also possible to withdraw secret into the body cavity, which is the main difference between the exocrine and the endocrine gland. A part of a glandular cell, as well as a cell, can turn into a secret.
Classification of exocrine glands
The following classification exists:
- Morphological classification. It is based on an analysis of the structure of the end sections and ducts of the output. Distinguish in the form of the secretion section of the tubular, mixed, alveolar glands. Branching secretion: unbranched and branched. Excretory ducts are distinguished by simple and complex glands.
- Chemical classification. There are glands that produce protein, mucous membranes, mixed and fatty secretions.
- Secret secretion mechanism. There are mammary glands, sebaceous glands, as well as merocrine glands.
Depending on the type of exocrine glands, the following functions are distinguished:
- trophic - it is associated with metabolism and tissue nutrition;
- protective - protects the body from external influences, including substances that can form inside the body;
- supporting - provides fibers with organs that are formed by intercellular substances of skeletal tissues;
- plastic - is the adaptation of tissues to changing conditions;
- morphogenetic - forms tissue structures, and also organizes the structure of organs.
The mechanism of action of humoral regulation
Humoral regulation occurs with the participation of hormones - special chemicals. They, in turn, are produced by glands. Through the body, hormones can be carried by blood, tissue fluid and lymph. For the normal functioning of the whole organism, morphological and physiological changes that occur due to hormones are necessary. Their action can be slow, in contrast to nervous regulation, the duration of which is much shorter.
What is the difference between exocrine glands
An exocrine gland is a gland that secretes secretion into the external environment and into the body cavity. And endocrine, despite the fact that they also secrete a secret, differ in the content of hormones. These are active biological substances that are formed and secreted into the blood. They may have some features. Among them, a low concentration, which is enough to change the rate of reactions of chemicals. Their effect is strictly controlled by the nervous system of the human body.
The exocrine gland performs a variety of functions. The largest organ that can demonstrate gland function is the liver. It performs a cleansing function. Thanks to it, the body gets rid of toxins, and it also participates in hematopoiesis. Sweat glands control body temperature. Sebaceous provide the required humidity, and also lubricate the surface of the epidermis. In addition, cooper glands belong to this group. They are typical of men and the male reproductive system. The secret of this gland is secreted into the urinary canal, lubricating it, thereby helping the sperm to move, neutralizes the acidic environment, and also protects the mucosa from irritation.
Pancreatic Exocrine Gland Function
The pancreas is an organ of mixed secretion. It produces digestive juice in the intestines. This is a clear color liquid. Consists of acid, mucin and enzymes such as lipase and pepsin. These substances allow you to break down organic materials, and can also neutralize various kinds of painful bacteria and stimulate the activity of the stomach.
The exocrine gland is the gland that is part of the pancreas, internal secretion. It secretes hormones: insulin, glucagon. They regulate carbohydrate metabolism. Insulin, in turn, converts glucose to glycogen. It is stored in the liver. Glucagon is the opposite. An insufficient level of insulin in the blood leads to an increase in sugar concentration and metabolic disorders. This disease has a name - diabetes. People with diabetes are forced to maintain insulin levels throughout their lives.
Pancreatic disease
A quite popular and common disease associated with the pancreas is exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. It lies in the fact that iron in a certain state does not produce the necessary amount of enzymes for the process of digesting food.
The consequences of the disease can be as follows: impaired absorption function of substances, as well as weight loss and insufficient vitaminization of the body.
American scientists have identified the most important causes of pancreatic insufficiency of the exocrine gland - inflammation of the gland and cystic fibrosis. But not everything is so bad, because the disease can be cured by taking enzyme preparations. In this regard, diet and exercise help to achieve results, improve the effect of drugs.
Gonads
The exocrine gland is the gland of internal secretion of the gonads. As you know, people are diverse creatures. In men, the testes are the gonads, and in women, the ovaries. They form germ cells, gametes - sperm and ova. Fertilization of germ cells occurs in the tube leading to the uterus. This is an example of external secretion.
Hormones are also formed in the gonads: estrogens in women, and androgens in men. Their excretion occurs in the blood. It is their concentration during the period of the birth of the fetus that controls the development of primary sexual characteristics and secondary sexual characteristics in adolescence. This is an example of internal secretion of the gonads.