AAMC FL Practice Exam

How do exocrine glands differ from endocrine glands?

1. They secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream

2. They release products through ducts

3. They are responsible for metabolic regulation

4. They only function without ducts

The correct answer is: They release products through ducts

Exocrine glands differ from endocrine glands primarily in how they release their products. Exocrine glands release their products through ducts that lead to specific target areas, such as the gastrointestinal tract or the surface of the skin. These products can include enzymes, sweat, saliva, and other substances that have a localized effect. In contrast, endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, which allows the hormones to travel to various parts of the body and exert their effects on distant organs and tissues. This distinction in the method of secretion is critical for understanding the different roles these glands play in the body's regulatory systems. Regarding the other choices, while endocrine glands are indeed responsible for metabolic regulation through hormones, this is not a characteristic that differentiates them from exocrine glands, as exocrine glands are not primarily involved in metabolic regulation. The option that suggests they function without ducts is misleading because exocrine glands are characterized by their ducts, while endocrine glands do not have ducts. These differences underline the distinct functional pathways of these two types of glands.