Eccrine sweat gland

Anatomy and function of eccrine sweat glands

Diagram of a sweat gland

Eccrine sweat glands are a type of sweat gland found in the skin of humans and many other mammals. These glands are responsible for the production of sweat, which plays a crucial role in thermoregulation and homeostasis.

Anatomy

Eccrine sweat glands are distributed across almost the entire surface of the human body, with the highest density found on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and forehead. Each gland consists of a coiled secretory unit located in the dermis or hypodermis, and a duct that extends to the surface of the skin.

Structure

The secretory portion of the eccrine gland is composed of a single layer of cuboidal epithelium surrounded by myoepithelial cells. These cells are responsible for the contraction that helps expel sweat from the gland. The duct portion is lined with two layers of cuboidal cells and opens directly onto the skin surface.

Function

Eccrine sweat glands are primarily involved in the regulation of body temperature. When the body becomes overheated, the hypothalamus signals these glands to secrete sweat. As the sweat evaporates from the skin surface, it dissipates heat, cooling the body.

Composition of Sweat

Sweat produced by eccrine glands is composed mainly of water, with small amounts of electrolytes such as sodium and chloride, as well as trace amounts of other substances like urea and lactate.

Physiological Role

In addition to thermoregulation, eccrine sweat glands play a role in excretion and maintaining the acid mantle of the skin, which provides a protective barrier against pathogens.

Clinical Significance

Dysfunction of eccrine sweat glands can lead to conditions such as hyperhidrosis, where there is excessive sweating, or anhidrosis, where there is a lack of sweating. Both conditions can have significant impacts on an individual's quality of life and may require medical intervention.

Related pages

• Sweat gland
• Thermoregulation
• Hyperhidrosis
• Anhidrosis