Salivary glands are examples of

Options

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

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Type of Gland**: We need to determine the classification of salivary glands among the options provided: Holocrine, Neurocrine, Epocrine, or Endocrine.

2. **Understand Gland Functions**: Glands are clusters of epithelial cells that produce and secrete substances. They can be categorized into two main types:
- **Exocrine Glands**: These glands secrete substances into ducts.
- **Endocrine Glands**: These are ductless glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.

3. **Determine if Salivary Glands are Exocrine or Endocrine**: Salivary glands secrete saliva into the buccal cavity through ducts, indicating that they are exocrine glands. They do not produce hormones, which rules out the endocrine classification.

4. **Classify Exocrine Glands**: Exocrine glands can be further classified based on their secretion method:
- **Holocrine Glands**: The entire cell disintegrates to release its secretion (e.g., sebaceous glands).
- **Merocrine Glands**: The cell remains intact while secreting substances (e.g., sweat glands).
- **Apocrine Glands**: A portion of the cell membrane buds off with the secretion (e.g., mammary glands).

5. **Analyze Salivary Gland Secretion**: Salivary glands do not disintegrate when they secrete saliva. They transport the saliva through their ducts without losing any part of their cells. This indicates that they function as merocrine glands.

6. **Conclusion**: Based on the classification and function of salivary glands, we conclude that they are **Merocrine Glands**.

**Final Answer**: Salivary glands are examples of **Merocrine glands**.

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