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, it creates a close connection with environmental factors.
Exocrine gland
Exocrine gland is a 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 the secret into the body cavity, which is the main difference between the exocrine and endocrine glands. Both part of the glandular cell and the whole cell can turn into a secret.
Classification of exocrine glands
There is the following classification:
- Morphological classification. It is based on the analysis of the structure of the terminal sections andoutput ducts. There are tubular, mixed, alveolar glands according to the shape of the secretion department. According to the branching of the secretion department: unbranched and branched. Excretory ducts distinguish between simple and complex glands.
- Chemical classification. There are glands that produce protein, mucous, mixed and fatty secretions.
- Secret extraction mechanism. There are mammary glands, sebaceous glands, and merocrine glands.
Depending on the type of exocrine glands, functions are distinguished:
- trophic - it is associated with metabolism and tissue nutrition;
- protective - protects the body from external influences, including substances that can be formed inside the body;
- supporting - provides fibers to organs that are formed by intercellular substances of skeletal tissues;
- plastic - is the adaptation of tissues to changing conditions;
- morphogenetic - forms tissue structures and organizes the structure of organs.
Mechanism of action of humoral regulation
Humoral regulation occurs with the participation of hormones - special chemicals. These, in turn, are produced by the glands. Hormones can be transported throughout the body by blood, tissue fluid, and lymph. For the normal functioning of the whole organism, morphological and physiological changes are necessary that occur due to hormones. Their action may also be slow, in contrast to neural regulation, which lasts for a much shorter time.
What is the difference between exocrine glands
Exocrine gland is a gland that releases secretions 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 released into the blood. They may have some special features. Among them is a small concentration, which is sufficient to change the rate of chemical reactions. Their effects are strictly controlled by the nervous system of the human body.
The exocrine gland performs a variety of functions. The largest organ that can demonstrate the function of a gland 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 moisture, and also lubricate the surface of the epidermis. In addition, Cooper's glands also belong to this group. They are typical for men and the male reproductive system. The secret of this gland is secreted into the urinary canal, lubricating it, thereby helping the spermatozoa to move, neutralizes the acidic environment, and also protects the mucous membrane from irritation.
Function of the exocrine pancreas
The pancreas is an organ of mixed secretion. It produces digestive juice in the intestines. It is a transparent liquid. Composed of acid, mucin and enzymes such as lipase and pepsin. These substances allow you to break down organic materials, as well ascan neutralize various kinds of disease bacteria and stimulate stomach activity.
Exocrine gland is a gland that is part of the pancreas, internal secretion. It secretes hormones: insulin, glucagon. They regulate carbohydrate metabolism. Insulin, in turn, converts glucose into glycogen. It is stored in the liver. Glucagon does the opposite. Insufficient levels of insulin in the blood leads to an increase in the concentration of sugar and metabolic disorders. This disease has a name - diabetes mellitus. People with diabetes have to maintain insulin levels in their bodies for the rest of their lives.
Diseases of the pancreas
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is a fairly popular and widespread disease associated with the pancreas. It lies in the fact that the gland in a certain state does not produce the amount of enzymes necessary for the process of digestion of food.
The consequences of the disease may be the following: a violation of the absorption function of substances, as well as weight loss and insufficient fortification 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 matter, diet and exercise help to achieve results, improve the effect of drugs.
Sex glands
The exocrine gland is the endocrine gland of the gonads. As you know, people are heterogeneous creatures. In men, the testicles are the gonads, and in women, the ovaries. They form sex cells, gametes - sperm and eggs. 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. They are released into the blood. It is their concentration during the gestation of the fetus that controls the development of primary sexual characteristics and secondary sexual characteristics in adolescence. This is an example of the internal secretion of the gonads.
