What is the difference between eccrine and apocrine sweat glands?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the distinctions between eccrine and apocrine sweat glands, which are two types of sweat glands in the human body. It seeks to understand their differences in terms of structure, function, and locations.
Answer
Eccrine glands open onto the skin's surface. Apocrine glands open into hair follicles.
Eccrine glands are located over most of the body and open directly onto the skin's surface, while apocrine glands are found in areas with many hair follicles such as the armpits and groin and open into hair follicles.
Answer for screen readers
Eccrine glands are located over most of the body and open directly onto the skin's surface, while apocrine glands are found in areas with many hair follicles such as the armpits and groin and open into hair follicles.
More Information
Eccrine glands play a primary role in thermoregulation by secreting a watery sweat, whereas apocrine glands become active during puberty and contribute to body odor.
Tips
A common mistake is to assume both types of glands function the same way when their roles are different: eccrine glands help with cooling, whereas apocrine glands are involved in scent.
Sources
- The web page with info on - Example Source - mayoclinic.org
- Anatomy, Skin Sweat Glands - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Dictionary - Apocrine vs. Eccrine - dictionary.com
