What type of secretion do meibomian glands primarily utilize?

Meibomian glands primarily utilize holocrine secretion. This type of secretion involves the entire cell disintegrating to release its contents. In the case of the meibomian glands, they are responsible for producing the lipid layer of the tear film, which plays a crucial role in preventing the evaporation of tears. During holocrine secretion, the secretory cells fill with lipid material and ultimately rupture, releasing the lipids onto the surface of the eyelid.

The nature of the secretion process in meibomian glands is integral to maintaining ocular surface health, as it contributes directly to the stability of tears and the overall lubrication of the eye. Holocrine secretion is unique in that it ensures a robust delivery of lipids all at once, rather than in a continuous or gradual manner, which is characteristic of other types of secretion such as merocrine or apocrine.