Secretory Epithelia & Glands
Epithelial cells that function mainly to produce and secrete various
macromolecules may occur in epithelia with other major functions or comprise
specialized organs called glands.
Secretory Epithelia & Glands
• Synthesize and release of substances; proteins, lipids, carbs, and proteins.
• Types based on the presence of duct system:
A. Exocrine glands (duct)
B. Endocrine glands (no duct)
Types based on number of cells:
A. Unicellular
B. Multicellular
Glands’ Formation
• Develop from covering epithelia in the fetus by
cell proliferation and growth into the underlying
connective tissue, followed by further
differentiation.
• Retains its connection with the surface=exocrine.
• Loses its connection with the surface=endocrine;
capillaries surround them to deliver their product
(hormones).
Gland Structure
• Glands are organized into secretory part
and ducts.
• Parenchyma: secretory part.
• Stroma connective tissue element that
surround and support parenchyma.
• Glands are usually surrounded by
capsules.
• Capsules sends septa to divided the gland
into smaller compartments; lobes and
lobules within it.
Classification Of
Exocrine Glands
• Simple glands: glands with
unbranched duct.
• Compound glands: the ducts have
two or more branches.
• The secretory portions can be tubular
or acinar (different in the nature of
the secretory material).
Types Of Secretion
• Merocrine (salivary): most common method of
protein or glycoprotein secretion---exocytosis from
membrane-bound vesicles or secretory granules.
• Apocrine (mammary): product accumulates at the
cells’ apical ends, portions of which are then extruded
to release the product together with small amounts of
cytoplasm and cell membrane
• Holocrine (sebaceous): cells accumulate product continuously as they enlarge and undergo
terminal differentiation, culminating in complete cell disruption which releases the product and
cell debris into the gland’s lumen.
Nature Of Secretory Products.
• Exocrine glands secretion is categorized based on the nature of their secretory products into
serous or mucous.
• Serous cells synthesize proteins (mostly not glycosylated; digestive enzymes)--- well-
developed RER and Golgi complexes and are filled apically with secretory granules in
different stages of maturation---stain intensely with basophilic or acidophilic stains.
• Mucous cells filled apically with secretory granules contain heavily glycosylated proteins
called mucins (when released from the cell---become hydrated and form a layer of mucus)--
-hydrophilic mucins are usually washed from cells during routine histological preparations,
causing the secretory granules to stain poorly.
Nature Of Secretory Products
• Some salivary glands are mixed seromucous glands, having both serous acini and mucous
tubules
• Myoepithelial cells: contractile at the basal ends of the secretory cells. Long processes of these
cells embrace an acinus. Are rich in actin and myosin filament--- strong contractions serve to
propel secretory products from acini into the duct system.
Merocrine Apocrine Holocrine
Serous and Mucous Secretory Cells
Myoepithelial Cells
• In exocrine glands only
