Eccrine sweat gland

Eccrine sweat glands are a type of sweat gland found in the skin of mammals. They are responsible for the production of sweat, which helps to regulate body temperature. Eccrine sweat glands are distributed almost all over the body, but are most numerous on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and forehead.

Structure

Eccrine sweat glands are tubular structures that descend deep into the dermis or hypodermis. They consist of a secretory portion located in the dermis, which is composed of a coiled tubule, and a duct that carries the sweat to the skin surface. The secretory portion is surrounded by myoepithelial cells, which can contract to expel sweat.

Function

The primary function of eccrine sweat glands is thermoregulation. When the body's internal temperature rises, the autonomic nervous system stimulates the glands to secrete water to the skin surface, where it cools the body by evaporation. Eccrine sweat is composed mainly of water, with various salts and organic compounds in solution. In addition to its role in cooling the body, sweating also helps to excrete waste products such as urea and lactate.

Clinical significance

Abnormal function of eccrine sweat glands can lead to a number of disorders. Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by excessive sweating, often in response to stress or heat. Anhidrosis is the inability to sweat normally, which can lead to overheating and can be life-threatening. Eccrine sweat glands can also be affected by tumors, both benign and malignant.

See also

• Apocrine sweat gland
• Sudoriferous gland
• Sweating