Sweat glands

The glands responsible for the production and secretion of sweat, which helps regulate body temperature.

Sweat glands, also known as sudoriferous glands, are small tubular structures located in the skin that play a vital role in thermoregulation. They produce a watery liquid known as sweat, which is primarily composed of water, salts, and various waste products. There are two main types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine, each with specific functions and locations.

Terminologia Anatomica

glandulae sudoriferae

System

Integumentary system

Function

The primary function of sweat glands is to regulate the body's temperature through the process of perspiration. When the body temperature rises due to factors such as exercise or environmental heat, eccrine sweat glands are activated to secrete sweat onto the skin surface. As the sweat evaporates, it cools the skin and helps maintain a stable internal temperature. This mechanism is crucial for preventing overheating, particularly during physical activity. In addition to thermoregulation, sweat production also serves an important role in excreting certain waste products, thereby assisting in maintaining the body's chemical balance. The apocrine sweat glands, found primarily in areas such as the armpits and groin, also contribute to body odor as their secretions contain proteins and fatty substances that bacteria on the skin can break down, producing distinctive smells.

Location

Sweat glands are distributed throughout the body, with a higher concentration in areas with dense hair follicles and skin layers, such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and the forehead. Eccrine sweat glands are particularly abundant on the hands and feet, while apocrine sweat glands are mainly located in the axillary (armpit) and genital regions. The glands open directly onto the surface of the skin or into hair follicles, where their secretions are released. The overall distribution of sweat glands varies among individuals and can be influenced by factors such as age, genetics, and hormonal changes.

Did You Know?

Humans possess approximately 2 to 4 million sweat glands, with each gland capable of producing several liters of sweat in a day, especially during intense exercise or heat.
Sweat is mostly composed of water (about 99%), but it also contains small amounts of electrolytes such as sodium and potassium, as well as trace amounts of waste products.
Apocrine sweat glands become active during puberty, and their secretions can lead to body odor due to bacterial decomposition.
Eccrine sweat glands help regulate temperature even during rest, contributing to overall homeostasis.
The process of sweating not only cools the body but may also help to improve skin hydration and elasticity.