HOLOCRINE Meaning and
Definition
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Holocrine is an adjective that refers to a type of secretion or glandular mode of secretion found in multicellular organisms. It is primarily associated with certain glands in the body that produce and release substances through a unique process.
The holocrine mode of secretion involves the entire cell being released or shed along with the secreted substance. In this process, the secretory cells accumulate the substance being produced within them until it fills up the cytoplasm entirely. The cells then rupture or disintegrate, causing the release of the accumulated product and the cell fragments themselves. This makes holocrine secretion distinct from other forms of secretion, such as merocrine or apocrine, where the entire cell does not get released.
Among the holocrine glands found in organisms, the sebaceous glands located in the skin are a well-known example. These glands produce sebum, an oily substance that helps lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair. In the case of sebaceous glands, their holocrine mode of secretion involves the entire sebocyte cell "bursting" to release the sebum onto the surface of the skin.
Overall, the term holocrine describes the specific process of secretion where the entire cell is disintegrated or shed along with the secreted substance. It is a vital mechanism for certain glands in organisms to release their products while ensuring the continuous production and functioning of the glands themselves.
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Noting a gland (1) whose function is purely secretory, or (2) the secretion of which consists of altered cells of the gland itself, such as a sebaceous gland; opposed to merocrine.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HOLOCRINE
Etymology of HOLOCRINE
The word "holocrine" is derived from the Greek words "holos" meaning "entire" or "whole", and "krinein" meaning "to separate" or "to secrete". In the context of anatomy, "holocrine" refers to a glandular type of secretion where the entire cell is released along with its secretion.
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