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

/apo·crine/ (ap´o-krin) exhibiting that type of glandular secretion in which the free end of the secreting cell is cast off along with the secretory products accumulated therein (e.g., mammary and sweat glands).

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.

gland

secretory organ

• adrenal gland endocrine gland located at superior pole of each kidney, secreting catecholamines (from medulla) and adrenocorticoid hormones (from cortex)

• apocrine gland axilla and genital skin glands, whose secretion is formed by degradation of secretory cells

• eccrine gland gland producing a simple fluid secretion, e.g. sweat glands

• endocrine gland gland whose secretions are absorbed directly into blood, e.g. pancreas islet cells

• exocrine gland gland whose secretion reaches a body surface via ducts

• holocrine gland gland whose secretion is formed by cell degradation

• lymph gland see nodes lymph

• parathyroid gland parathormone-secreting endocrine glands, located within poles of the thyroid

• pituitary gland see pituitary

• sebaceous gland sebum-secreting holocrine gland within the hair follicle

• thyroid gland see thyroid

apocrine

denoting that type of glandular mechanism in which the secretory products become concentrated at the free end of the secreting cell and are thrown off along with a portion of the cytoplasm, as in the mammary gland; cf. holocrine and merocrine.

---

apocrine cystic calcinosis

see calcinosis circumscripta.

apocrine cystic dilatation

a relatively common finding in dog skin; may be associated with hyperplasia of glandular epithelium or secondary to duct obstruction.

apocrine cystomatosis

see apocrine gland cyst (below).

apocrine gland cyst

cystic hyperplasia of apocrine sweat glands; common in dogs. Often multiple and called apocrine cystomatosis.

apocrine sweat gland

the most abundant type of sweat gland in domestic animals and part of the hair follicle complex; found in haired skin and specialized regions such as the anal sacs. Under sympathetic nervous control and produce sweat by a merocrine mechanism (despite the name) which, in normal quantities, contributes to a protective film on the skin. Specialized apocrine sweat glands are located in the external ear canal and eyelids. Inflammation is called hidradenitis.

apocrine tumors

cystic or papillary adenomas and papillary or tubular carcinomas occur, particularly in dogs and cats. See also anal sacs tumor.