What type of gland is responsible for the secretion of sweat and saliva?

The correct choice pertains to the exocrine glands, which play a crucial role in the secretion of substances such as sweat and saliva. Exocrine glands are characterized by their ability to release their secretions through ducts that lead directly to the surface of an organ or space, rather than into the bloodstream. This is essential for functions such as thermoregulation through sweat, which cools the body, and saliva production, which begins the digestion process.

Exocrine glands include various types of secretions, such as mucous and serous fluids. They are distinct from endocrine glands, which secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream and regulate functions throughout the body. While holocrine and merocrine refer to specific methods of secretion within exocrine glands, the primary categorization of sweat and saliva secretion falls under the broader classification of exocrine. Therefore, the statement accurately identifies the type of gland responsible for these vital bodily fluids.