What is the difference between an endocrine and exocrine gland?

An endocrine gland secretes its products, for example hormones, directly into the blood. An example of an endocrine gland is the adrenal gland which secretes adenaline made in the adrenal medulla directly into the blood.

 

An exocrine gland secretes its products for example enzymes, into ducts that lead to the target tissue. For example the salivary gland secretes saliva into the collecting duct which leads to the mouth.

It's important to note that the pancreas performs both endocrine and exocrine functions. It releases insulin and glucagon directly into the blood (endocrine) and also secretes pancreatic fluid into the pacreatic duct which leads to the duodenum (exocrine). 

MC
Answered by Maddalena C. Biology tutor

272590 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between interspecific competition and intraspecific competition?


It has been suggested that smoking, an epigenetic factor can lead to tumour growth and cancer. Use your knowledge of the epigenome and its structure to explain how this could occur. [5 marks]


Explain how the resting potential of -70mV is maintained in a sensory neuron.


Sometimes, babies are born with a hole between the right and left ventricles of their heart. Why does this mean oxygenated blood cannot get around their bodies?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning