Anatomy
exocrine gland
ex·o·crine gland [ ek-suh-krin, -krahyn, -kreen gland ]
Subclass of:
Body tissue
Definitions related to exocrine glands:
  • A gland from which secretions reach a free surface of the body by ducts.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • (apocrine gland) A type of gland that is found in the skin, breast, eyelid, and ear. Apocrine glands in the breast secrete fat droplets into breast milk and those in the ear help form earwax. Apocrine glands in the skin and eyelid are sweat glands. Most apocrine glands in the skin are in the armpits, the groin, and the area around the nipples of the breast. Apocrine glands in the skin are scent glands, and their secretions usually have an odor. Another type of gland (eccrine gland or simple sweat gland) produces most sweat.
    NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • Gland that secretes its products through ducts or canals, such as sweat glands or mammary glands.
    CRISP Thesaurus
    National Institutes of Health, 2006
  • Glands of external secretion that release its secretions to the body's cavities, organs, or surface, through a duct.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
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This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.