apocrine

apocrine

 [ap´o-krin]

denoting that type of glandular secretion in which the secretory products become concentrated at the free end of the secreting cell and are thrown off, along with the portion of the cell where they have accumulated, as in the mammary gland. See also holocrine and merocrine.

ap·o·crine

(ap'ō-krin), Its definition notwithstanding, the etymology of this word is unrelated to apex.

Denoting a mechanism of glandular secretion in which the apical portion of secretory cells is shed and incorporated into the secretion.
See also: apocrine gland.

[G. apo-krinō, to separate]

apocrine

(ăp′ə-krĭn, -krīn′, -krēn′)

adj.

Relating to a type of glandular secretion in which the apical portion of the secreting cell is released along with the secretory products.

apocrine

Referring to a type of exocrine secretion, as seen in aprocrine cells in the mammary gland, where lipid-rich droplets are enveloped by the apical plasma membrane.

ap·o·crine

(ap'ō-krin)

Denoting a mechanism of glandular secretion in which the apical portion of secretory cells is shed and incorporated into the secretion.
See also: apocrine gland

[G. apo-krinō, to separate]

apocrine

Pertaining to glands that give off some of their intracellular contents as part of their secretion.