Table of Contents
What is an endocrine gland/organ?
A gland is classified as endocrine if it is ductless and releases substances into the bloodstream, which affects tissues and organs within the body. Common examples of endocrine glands are the pineal gland, pituitary gland, pancreas, ovaries, testes, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, hypothalamus, and adrenal glands.
What is an exocrine gland/organ?
Exocrine glands use ducts to release substances into the target tissues and organs within the body. Examples include mammary, prostate, sweat etc.
General differences between endocrine and exocrine glands
| Endocrine Glands | Exocrine Glands |
| Release substances directly into the blood Do not use ducts Transport of hormones is slower than exocrine Usually secrete hormones | Do not release substances into the blood Have ducts Transport enzymes relatively faster than endocrine glands Usually secrete enzymes |
Why is Heart classified as an endocrine gland?
The heart atria release a hormone called Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) or Atrial Natriuretic Factor (ANF). The main function of ANP is to reduce the expansion of blood volume by increasing renal excretion of sodium ions.
Cardiac muscle cells release this hormone directly into the bloodstream rather than through ducts. The hormone travels to the kidneys where it affects reabsorption of water to control blood volume.
When released, the following are ANP effects:
- Decrease of extracellular fluid (ECF) volume (edema)
- Improved cardiac ejection fraction
- Decreased blood pressure
- Increased serum potassium.
Reference Question
SELECT THE CORRECT STATEMENT (2 pts)
A. The heart is an endocrine organ that can release hormones into the blood that influences the physiology of the kidneys
B. cells of the macula densa communicate with granular cells through the release of diffusable autocrine factors
C. Norepinephrine released from sympathetic neurons binds to a cytoplasmic receptor in granular cells to cause the release of renin
D. as part of the flight or flight response, norepinephrine released form sympathetic neurons acts on beta adrenergic receptor to cause vasoconstriction of the afferent arterioles
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