Exocrine Glands

Exocrine glands are glands whose secretions pass into a system of ducts that lead ultimately to the exterior of the body. So the inner surface of the glands and the ducts that drain them are topologically continuous with the exterior of the body (the skin). Endocrine glands, in contrast, place their secretions into the internal environment - the blood.

• salivary glands (shown here) that secrete saliva into the mouth
• bile-producing glands of the liver
• prostate gland
• the portion of the pancreas that secretes pancreatic fluid into the duodenum. (The pancreas is also an endocrine gland - its islets of Langerhans secrete several hormones into the blood.)
• gastric glands
• sweat glands