Hawaii Massage License Practice Exam

What type of glands secrete their products directly into the bloodstream?

1. Exocrine

2. Endocrine

3. Salivary

4. Sweat

The correct answer is: Endocrine

The type of glands that secrete their products directly into the bloodstream are the endocrine glands. These glands release hormones, which are chemical messengers that travel through the circulatory system to target organs or cells to regulate various physiological processes. The primary role of endocrine glands is to maintain homeostasis and coordinate complex bodily functions such as growth, metabolism, and reproduction. In contrast, exocrine glands secrete their products through ducts to specific locations, such as sweat glands and salivary glands, which release their secretions onto surfaces or into cavities rather than directly into the bloodstream. This distinction is important in understanding how different glands function within the body's regulatory systems.