Gland cells can be classified based on the type of gland they are part of: exocrine glands and endocrine glands. Below is a detailed list of each type with descriptions.
Exocrine Gland Cells
Serous Cells
Description: These cells produce a watery, enzyme-rich secretion. They contain abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum and secretory granules.
Function: Producing and secreting digestive enzymes in salivary glands and the pancreas.
Mucous Cells
Description: These cells produce mucus, a thick, viscous secretion containing glycoproteins. They have a large Golgi apparatus and secretory vesicles filled with mucin.
Function: Lubricating and protecting surfaces in the digestive and respiratory tracts.
Sebaceous Cells
Description: These cells produce sebum, an oily substance that lubricates and waterproofs the skin and hair. They are found in sebaceous glands associated with hair follicles.
Function: Lubricating the skin and hair, and providing a barrier against bacteria.
Sweat Gland Cells
Eccrine Sweat Gland Cells
Description: These cells produce a watery, electrolyte-rich secretion. They are abundant in the skin and play a crucial role in thermoregulation.
Function: Cooling the body by evaporation and excreting waste products.
Apocrine Sweat Gland Cells
Description: These cells produce a thicker, milky secretion. They are found in specific areas like the armpits and groin and become active during puberty.
Function: Producing sweat that, when broken down by bacteria, leads to body odor.
Myoepithelial Cells
Description: These contractile cells surround glandular acini and ducts, aiding in the expulsion of glandular secretions.
Function: Assisting in the release of secretions from glands such as mammary glands and sweat glands.
Endocrine Gland Cells
Pituitary Gland Cells
Anterior Pituitary Cells (Adenohypophysis)
Description: These cells produce and secrete hormones such as growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
Function: Regulating growth, metabolism, and stress response.
Posterior Pituitary Cells (Neurohypophysis)
Description: These cells store and release hormones produced by the hypothalamus, such as oxytocin and vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone, ADH).
Function: Regulating water balance and reproductive functions.
Thyroid Gland Cells
Follicular Cells
Description: These cells produce thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) that regulate metabolism.
Function: Controlling metabolic rate and energy levels.
Parafollicular Cells (C Cells)
Description: These cells produce calcitonin, which helps regulate calcium levels in the blood.
Function: Lowering blood calcium levels by inhibiting bone resorption.
Parathyroid Gland Cells
Chief Cells
Description: These cells produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates calcium and phosphate balance.
Function: Increasing blood calcium levels by stimulating bone resorption and increasing calcium absorption in the kidneys and intestines.
Adrenal Gland Cells
Adrenal Cortex Cells
Zona Glomerulosa Cells
Description: These cells produce mineralocorticoids, such as aldosterone, which regulate sodium and potassium balance.
Function: Maintaining blood pressure and electrolyte balance.
Zona Fasciculata Cells
Description: These cells produce glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, which regulate metabolism and stress response.
Function: Modulating metabolism and immune response.
Zona Reticularis Cells
Description: These cells produce androgens, which are precursor hormones for sex steroids.
Function: Contributing to secondary sex characteristics and reproductive functions.
Adrenal Medulla Cells
Chromaffin Cells
Description: These cells produce catecholamines, such as adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine), which are involved in the fight-or-flight response.
Function: Increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels in response to stress.
Pancreatic Islet Cells
Alpha Cells
Description: These cells produce glucagon, which raises blood glucose levels.
Function: Increasing blood sugar levels by promoting glycogen breakdown in the liver.
Beta Cells
Description: These cells produce insulin, which lowers blood glucose levels.
Function: Decreasing blood sugar levels by promoting glucose uptake in cells.
Delta Cells
Description: These cells produce somatostatin, which regulates the secretion of other pancreatic hormones.
Function: Inhibiting the release of insulin and glucagon.
Gonadal Cells
Ovarian Cells
Granulosa Cells
Description: These cells produce estrogen and progesterone, which are essential for reproductive health and menstrual cycle regulation.
Function: Supporting follicle development and regulating the menstrual cycle.
Theca Cells
Description: These cells produce androgens, which are precursors to estrogens.
Function: Supporting estrogen production in granulosa cells.
Testicular Cells
Leydig Cells
Description: These cells produce testosterone, which is essential for male secondary sexual characteristics and reproductive functions.
Function: Regulating male reproductive functions and secondary sexual characteristics.
Sertoli Cells
Description: These cells support and nourish developing sperm cells and produce inhibin.
Function: Supporting spermatogenesis and regulating sperm production.
Summary
Each type of gland cell plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and regulating various physiological processes in the body.