Which type of glands secrete their products through ducts?

Exocrine glands are specialized structures that release their products through ducts directly into specific areas, such as the surface of the skin, the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, or into body cavities. This is in contrast to endocrine glands, which secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, allowing for widespread systemic effects.

Exocrine glands can include salivary glands, sweat glands, and sebaceous (oil) glands, among others, highlighting their role in localized secretion. The presence of ducts is a defining characteristic of exocrine glands, enabling them to transport their secretions to particular sites where they perform their functions, such as digestion or temperature regulation.

In contrast, autocrine and paracrine glands do not primarily utilize ducts. Autocrine signaling involves the cells responding to substances they secrete themselves, while paracrine signaling involves the release of substances that act on nearby cells. These modalities emphasize cellular communication rather than the secretion of products through a duct system.