Which of the following best describes the primary difference in secretion release between eccrine and apocrine sweat glands?
Understand the Problem
The question asks to identify the main difference in how eccrine and apocrine sweat glands release their secretions. It provides four options, each presenting a different possible distinction between the two gland types.
Answer
Eccrine glands release sweat directly onto the skin, whereas apocrine glands release sweat into hair follicles.
The main difference lies in where they release secretions: eccrine glands release sweat directly onto the skin's surface, while apocrine glands release sweat into hair follicles.
Answer for screen readers
The main difference lies in where they release secretions: eccrine glands release sweat directly onto the skin's surface, while apocrine glands release sweat into hair follicles.
More Information
Both eccrine and apocrine glands utilize merocrine secretion, which means they release their contents via exocytosis without damaging the cells themselves.
Tips
A common mistake is thinking the secretion method (merocrine) is the primary difference. Both use merocrine secretion; the key difference is the location of release.
Sources
- Sweat glands - Mayo Clinic - mayoclinic.org
- What Is Sweat & Why Do We Sweat? - Cleveland Clinic - my.clevelandclinic.org
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