Answer :
Final answer:
Secretory epithelia are specialized epithelial cells that produce and release substances onto surfaces or into the blood, forming various glands such as sweat, salivary, and endocrine glands.
Explanation:
The epithelial cells that produce substances and release them onto a surface or into the blood are referred to as secretory epithelia.
This type of epithelium includes glandular tissues that form various glands in the body, such as sweat glands, salivary glands, and endocrine glands like the pancreas and thyroid.
Secretory epithelia are responsible for the release of substances ranging from digestive enzymes in the small intestine to hormones into the bloodstream.
Epithelial tissue is classified by two main factors: the number of cell layers and the shape of the cells.
Secretory epithelia are part of the larger family of epithelial tissues, which also includes protective, absorptive, and transportive functions depending on their location and structure.
The capability to secrete mucus, enzymes, hormones, and other substances is a defining characteristic of glandular epithelium, which is a specialized secretory tissue.
