Apocrine secretion

Apocrine Secretion is a type of exocrine secretion where the secretory product is released along with a portion of the cell cytoplasm. This process is distinct from other types of secretion such as merocrine and holocrine secretion.

Overview

Apocrine secretion involves the release of secretory products that are initially stored in the apical portion of the cell. These products are then released by the pinching off of the apical portion of the cell, a process that also involves the loss of a portion of the cell cytoplasm and membrane. This is in contrast to merocrine secretion, where the secretory product is released via exocytosis without any loss of cell material, and holocrine secretion, where the entire cell disintegrates to release the secretory product.

Apocrine Glands

Apocrine glands are the primary sites of apocrine secretion. These glands are found in various parts of the body including the armpit, the areola of the breast, and the genital area. The secretory product of apocrine glands typically includes proteins, lipids, and steroids, and is often associated with odor production.

Function

The function of apocrine secretion is not fully understood. However, it is thought to play a role in pheromone production and may also have antimicrobial properties. In addition, apocrine secretion is associated with emotional sweating in humans, which is distinct from thermal sweating that is primarily mediated by eccrine glands.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities in apocrine secretion can lead to various clinical conditions. For example, excessive apocrine secretion can result in bromhidrosis, a condition characterized by foul-smelling sweat. On the other hand, insufficient apocrine secretion can lead to dry skin and hair. In addition, apocrine glands can become blocked, leading to the formation of sebaceous cysts or hidradenitis suppurativa, a chronic skin condition characterized by the formation of abscesses and scarring.

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