Final answer:
The three hallmarks of exocrine gland disease are salivary glands, glands of respiratory passages, and pancreas; compound ducts; and methods and types of secretion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three hallmarks of exocrine gland disease include:
- Salivary glands, glands of respiratory passages, and pancreas: These are organs that have exocrine glands and can be affected by diseases that impact the proper functioning of these glands. For example, conditions such as salivary gland infections, respiratory diseases like cystic fibrosis, and pancreatic disorders like pancreatitis can all be considered as exocrine gland diseases.
- Compound ducts: Exocrine glands have special ducts through which their secretions are released. These ducts can be compound, meaning they have multiple branches, allowing for the secretion of substances to multiple locations.
- Methods and Types of Secretion: Exocrine glands can be classified by the mode of secretion and the substances they release. For example, merocrine secretion is the most common type, where the secretions are enclosed in vesicles and released by exocytosis. Sweat glands and mucous glands are examples of merocrine glands.