What is a hypocrine gland?

Hypocrine glands are exocrine glands that release their product by breaking down the cell membrane. They are also called holocrine glands or cytocrinic glands.

This type of gland accumulates secretion in the cell cytoplasm, eventually causing the rupturing of the cell membrane. The cellular contents and discharged secretory product are then delivered to the external environment. Sebaceous glands in our skin are examples of this type of gland.