Heterocrine gland

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Heterocrine glands (or composite glands) are the glands which function as both exocrine gland and endocrine gland.^[1] These glands exhibit a unique and diverse secretory function encompassing the release of proteins and non-proteinaceous compounds, endocrine and exocrine secretions into both the bloodstream and ducts respectively. This duality allows them to serve crucial roles in regulating various physiological processes and maintaining homeostasis. These include the gonads (testicles and ovaries), pancreas and salivary glands.

Pancreas releases digestive enzymes into the small intestine via ducts (exocrine) and secretes insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream (endocrine) to regulate blood sugar level. Testes produce sperm, which is released through ducts (exocrine), and they also secrete androgens into the bloodstream (endocrine). Similarly, ovaries release ova through ducts (exocrine) and produce estrogen and progesterone (endocrine). Salivary glands secrete saliva through ducts to aid in digestion (exocrine) and produce epidermal growth factor and insulin-like growth factor (endocrine).