What type of glands transport secretory products through ducts to the body's surface?

Exocrine glands are specialized structures in the body that are responsible for transporting secretory products through ducts directly to the body's surface or into body cavities. This mechanism differs fundamentally from that of endocrine glands, which release hormones directly into the bloodstream without the use of ducts. The secretions from exocrine glands can include a variety of substances, such as enzymes, sweat, saliva, and mucus, and they play crucial roles in processes like digestion, temperature regulation, and lubrication.

In contrast, lymphatic glands primarily refer to the nodes within the lymphatic system that are not involved in the secretion of products to the surface. Cytogenic glands, while less commonly referred to, typically relate to reproductive glands that produce gametes. Therefore, the defining characteristic of exocrine glands—transporting their products through ducts—establishes their unique function in comparison to other types of glands.