Merocrine

Merocrine secretion (also called eccrine secretion) is a type of exocrine gland secretion where the cell releases its products by exocytosis. This process doesn't damage or destroy the secretory cell. The secretory vesicles migrate to the apical surface of the cell and fuse with the plasma membrane, releasing their contents into the duct or lumen. Because only the secretory product is released, merocrine glands are able to secrete continuously without the need for the cell to be destroyed or undergo significant structural changes. This is in contrast to apocrine and holocrine secretion methods.

Merocrine glands are widely distributed throughout the body and are responsible for secreting a variety of substances, including mucus, sweat, and enzymes. Examples of merocrine glands include the salivary glands (secreting saliva), pancreatic glands (secreting digestive enzymes), and certain sweat glands (eccrine sweat glands, secreting a watery sweat for thermoregulation). The process is efficient and allows for continuous and localized delivery of specific molecules.