alleryStart learning →What is the defining feature of an endocrine gland?
AIt secretes hormones directly into surrounding fluid
BIt releases neurotransmitters into a synaptic cleft
CIt carries enzymes through ducts to a target organ
DIt absorbs hormones directly from the bloodstream
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. It secretes hormones directly into surrounding fluid
1. Endocrine glands are ductless, so their product is emptied into the fluid that surrounds them.
2. Interstitial fluid and blood vessels then carry the hormone to distant target cells.
3. Exocrine glands such as sebaceous and sweat glands are the ones that use ducts.
4. Neurotransmitters belong to neurons crossing a synaptic cleft, not to a gland pouring into blood.
_Source: OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology (CC BY 4.0), Ch 17 "The Endocrine System", section 17.1 An Overview of the Endocrine System_
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