Question

Mammary glands are of this type:

• A. Endocrine glands
• B. Merocrine glands
• C. Holocrine glands
• D. Apocrine glands

Hint:

{A}pocrine = {A}pex breaks off. {H}olocrine = {H}ole/Whole cell dies. {M}erocrine = {M}erely secretion (no damage).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Classify Glands based on Mode of Secretion:

• Merocrine (Eccrine): Cells release secretion via exocytosis with no loss of cytoplasm (e.g., Salivary glands, most sweat glands).
• Apocrine: The apical portion of the cell containing the secretory product is pinched off and lost (e.g., Mammary glands, some sweat glands).
• Holocrine: The entire cell disintegrates to release the secretion (e.g., Sebaceous/Oil glands).
• Endocrine: Ductless glands releasing hormones into blood (not applicable to milk).

Step 2: Identify Mammary Gland Type:
Mammary glands secrete milk and lipids. The lipid secretion involves the pinching off of the apical cytoplasm. Hence, they are modified sweat glands of the Apocrine type.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Option (D) is correct.