which of the following is a holocrine secretion ?

Options

A. Mammary glands
B. Sebaceous
C. Pancreas
D. Sweat glands

Answer

To determine which of the following is a holocrine secretion, we need to understand the different types of glandular secretions. Here’s a step-by-step solution:

### Step-by-Step Solution

1. **Understand the Types of Glands**:
- Glands can be categorized based on their mode of secretion into three types: merocrine, apocrine, and holocrine.

2. **Define Holocrine Secretion**:
- Holocrine glands are those in which the entire cell disintegrates to release its secretory product. This means that the whole cell is lost during the secretion process.

3. **Identify Examples of Glands**:
- **Merocrine Glands**: These glands secrete their products via exocytosis without losing any part of the cell. Examples include sweat glands and salivary glands.
- **Apocrine Glands**: In these glands, the secretory product accumulates at the apical part of the cell, which then pinches off, losing part of the cell. An example is the mammary glands.
- **Holocrine Glands**: The entire cell disintegrates to release its contents. The sebaceous glands are a prime example of holocrine secretion.

4. **Analyze the Options Given**:
- **Mammary Gland**: This is an apocrine gland.
- **Sebaceous Gland**: This is a holocrine gland.
- **Pancreas**: This is an exocrine gland.
- **Sweat Gland**: This is a merocrine gland.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the definitions and examples, the gland that exhibits holocrine secretion from the options provided is the **sebaceous gland**.

### Final Answer:
The correct answer is **sebaceous gland**.

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