Exocrine Glands: definition

Glands of the skin or mucous membranes that secrete the substances they produce into ducts leading to a target body surface and ultimately to the outside of the body. Examples are sweat glands in the skin, lacrimal glands in eyelids, and salivary glands in the mouth. They are opposite endocrine glands which empty their hormone substances into the bloodsteam and from there to a targeted part of the body.