What is the secretion method of the main lacrimal gland?

• A. Holocrine
• B. Apocrine
• C. Merocrine
• D. Cytocrine

Answer: (C)

Tear production by the main lacrimal gland occurs through merocrine secretion, meaning the secretory cells release their product entirely by exocytosis of membrane-bound vesicles. The secretory granules fuse with the cell membrane and discharge contents into the duct system, while the secretory cells themselves remain intact. This fits lacrimal glands well because they produce an aqueous, serous tear fluid that forms the watery layer of the tear film and contains proteins like lysozyme and lactoferrin, all released without cell destruction.

Holocrine secretion would involve the entire cell rupturing to release its contents, which isn’t how the lacrimal gland works. Apocrine secretion would involve loss of a portion of the cell’s apical cytoplasm, which isn’t the mechanism here. Cytocrine secretion isn’t a primary mode of glandular secretion for tears. So, the merocrine pathway best explains how the main lacrimal gland releases its secretions.