Final answer:
A holocrine gland is a type of exocrine gland that secretes products by rupturing the secreting cell, with sebaceous glands being a common example. Holocrine secretion involves the death of the mature cell, which releases secretory products along with cell remnants, and is succeeded by new cell differentiation from surrounding tissue.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is a Holocrine Gland?
A holocrine gland is a type of exocrine gland that releases its product by rupturing and destroying the entire gland cell. The mature cell accumulates secretory products and, upon bursting, releases these products along with the remnants of the dead cell. This process is known as holocrine secretion. One of the most common examples of holocrine glands in the human body is the sebaceous glands, which secrete oils that lubricate and protect the skin and hair. After the gland cells release their contents and are destroyed, new cells differentiate from the surrounding tissue to replace them, ensuring continuous function.
Other types of glandular secretion include merocrine secretion, where cells secrete their products without damage, and apocrine secretion, where the top part of the cell (apex) is released with the secretion. Holocrine glands, such as the sebaceous glands, are distinct because they result in the death of the secreting cells. The process of holocrine secretion is highly effective for the continuous supply of oils essential for skin and hair health.