Dictionary > Apocrine gland

Apocrine gland

Definition
noun, plural: apocrine glands
A type of exocrine gland in which the secretory products are released together with some portions of the secreting cells, i.e. portions of the plasma membrane budding off the cell
Supplement
The secretory products of an apocrine gland are released from the cell through a portion of the plasma membrane that encases them and eventually pinches off. Thus, the apocrine gland differs from the other exocrine glands (i.e. holocrine and merocrine glands) by including some parts of the cell with the secretory products. Examples of apocrine gland include the mammary glands and the axillary sweat glands.
Word origin: apo (off) + krinein (to separate)
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