What term refers to glands that carry both endocrine and exocrine functions?

The term that refers to glands with both endocrine and exocrine functions is heterocrine. This designation highlights the dual role of these glands in secreting hormones directly into the bloodstream (endocrine function) while also producing substances that are released through ducts to an epithelial surface (exocrine function).

Heterocrine glands are essential for maintaining various physiological processes, as they help in regulating internal body functions through hormonal secretion while also taking part in digestion and other processes through their exocrine activities. Examples of heterocrine glands include the pancreas, which produces insulin (endocrine) and digestive enzymes (exocrine).

In contrast, glands labeled under the other terms do not fulfill this dual function. Exocrine refers solely to glands that secrete substances through ducts but lacks any hormonal secretion mechanism. Endocrine pertains specifically to glands that release hormones directly into the bloodstream but do not have any exocrine functions. Lastly, autocrine relates to cells that respond to substances they produce themselves, which also does not involve the dual functional capabilities of secretion seen in heterocrine glands.