Apocrine secretion

Definition

Apocrine secretion is a mode of exocrine release where the secretory product is released along with parts of the glandular cell cytoplasm and membrane, forming a secretion that contains cellular material. This process occurs in certain sweat glands, mammary glands, and other specialized skin glands.

Related terms

Exocrine glands: Glands that secrete their products onto body surfaces or into body cavities through ducts.

Merocrine secretion: A type of exocrine secretion where cells secrete their products by exocytosis without losing any cellular material.

Sweat glands: Glands in the skin that produce sweat, which can be classified as either apocrine or eccrine (merocrine) sweat glands based on their mode of secretion