What is glandular epithelium, and which are two examples of glands?

• A. Epithelium specialized for secretion; examples include exocrine glands (salivary, sweat) and endocrine glands (thyroid, pituitary)
• B. Epithelium specialized for absorption; examples include intestinal and renal epithelium
• C. Epithelium involved in tissue protection; examples include epidermis and mucosa
• D. Epithelium that contracts to move fluids; examples include muscular epithelium

Answer: (B)

Glandular epithelium is epithelial tissue specialized for secretion, forming glands that produce substances such as enzymes, mucus, or hormones. Glands can be exocrine, secreting through ducts onto surfaces (like salivary glands or sweat glands), or endocrine, releasing hormones directly into the bloodstream (like the thyroid or pituitary). Two examples of glands are the salivary glands and the thyroid gland. Other epithelial tissues focus on absorption (intestinal or renal) or protection (epidermis, mucosa), or they are involved in moving fluids rather than secreting.