Endocrine and exocrine glands are two types of glands in the human body that perform different functions.
Endocrine glands are ductless glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. These hormones travel throughout the body and affect the function of distant cells and organs. Examples of endocrine glands include the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal gland, pancreas, and ovaries/testes.
Exocrine glands, on the other hand, have ducts that carry their secretions to a surface, such as the skin or the digestive tract. Examples of exocrine glands include sweat glands, salivary glands, mammary glands, and digestive glands such as the liver and pancreas.
The main difference between the two types of glands is the way they release their secretions. Endocrine glands release hormones directly into the bloodstream, while exocrine glands release their secretions through ducts to the surface of the skin or the lumen of a hollow organ.
