Nursing Entrance Exam (NEX) Practice Exam

What do ductless glands in the human body secrete?

1. Enzymes

2. Mucus

3. Hormones

4. Metabolic wastes

The correct answer is: Hormones

Ductless glands, also known as endocrine glands, play a crucial role in the body's hormonal regulation. Unlike exocrine glands, which have ducts to transport their secretions to specific sites, ductless glands secrete their products directly into the bloodstream. This allows hormones to be delivered throughout the body to target organs and tissues. Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate a variety of physiological processes, including growth and development, metabolism, and mood. Examples of ductless glands include the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and pancreas (in its endocrine function). Each of these produces specific hormones that have significant impacts on bodily functions. In contrast, enzymes are typically secreted by glands with ducts (like salivary or digestive glands) to aid in digestion, mucus is secreted to lubricate surfaces such as those in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, and metabolic wastes are usually excreted by the kidneys rather than secreted by glands. The function and mechanism of ductless glands are foundational to understanding how the endocrine system operates and its influence on overall health.