What are the differences and similarities between endocrine and exocrine glands?
Similarities-Composed predominately of epithelial tissue. They also share organs. Several glands, such as the liver, pancreas, testis, ovary, and kidneys, have both exocrine and endocrine components. The liver for example is an exocrine gland that secretes one of its products, bile, through a system of ducts, but secretes hormones, albumin, and other products directly into the bloodstream. Differences-Exocrine glands maintain their contact with the surface by way of a duct, an epithelial tube that conveys their secretion to the surface. The secretion maybe released to the body surface, as in the case of sweat, mammary, and tear glands. More often however, it is released into the cavity of another organ such as the mouth or intestine. Endocrine glands lose their contact with the surface and have no ducts. They do however have a high density of blood capillaries and secrete their products directly into the blood. These secretions are called hormones.