Question:

Ceruminous glands are
(A). Simple coiled tubular glands
(B). Apocrine glands
(C). Simple branched tubular glands
(D). Holocrine glands
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Show Hint

Remember that ceruminous glands are modified sweat glands.
Since sweat glands are simple coiled tubular structures that secrete via the apocrine mechanism, their modified counterparts (ceruminous glands) share these exact properties.
  • (A) and (D) only.
  • (B) and (C) only.
  • (C) and (D) only.
  • (A) and (B) only.
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The integumentary system contains several specialized exocrine glands that adapt to distinct anatomical locations.
Ceruminous glands are modified sweat glands located exclusively in the external auditory canal.
Histologically and functionally, they are categorized by their secretory mechanism and their structural duct arrangement.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Let us analyze the structural and functional classification of the ceruminous glands:
- Secretory Mechanism (Apocrine): These glands secrete their products by pinching off a portion of the apical cytoplasm.
This type of secretion is characteristic of apocrine glands, making statement (B) correct.
- Structural Classification (Simple coiled tubular): The duct of a ceruminous gland does not branch, and the secretory portion consists of a single coiled tube.
Therefore, structurally, it is a simple coiled tubular gland, making statement (A) correct.
- Evaluating incorrect statements:
- Statement (C) is incorrect because they are coiled rather than branched tubular glands.
- Statement (D) is incorrect because holocrine glands (such as sebaceous glands) discharge the entire cell during secretion, which is not the mechanism used by ceruminous glands.
Together, these glands produce cerumen (earwax) by combining their secretions with sebum from adjacent sebaceous glands.
This mixture lubricates the ear canal, traps foreign particles, and provides antimicrobial protection.

Step 3: Final Answer:

The correct statements are (A) and (B). This corresponds to option (D).
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