Apocrine sweat gland

Apocrine sweat gland is a type of sweat gland that is found primarily in the underarm and genital areas of the body. These glands are larger than the other type of sweat gland, the eccrine sweat gland, and their secretions are thicker and more viscous.

Structure

The apocrine sweat gland is tubular in shape and opens into the hair follicle, rather than directly onto the surface of the skin. The gland is surrounded by smooth muscle cells, which contract to expel the sweat from the gland.

Function

Apocrine sweat glands produce a type of sweat that is rich in proteins and lipids. This sweat is initially odorless, but when it comes into contact with the bacteria on the skin's surface, it can produce a characteristic body odor. The function of apocrine sweat glands is not fully understood, but they are believed to play a role in pheromone release and may also have a function in thermoregulation.

Clinical significance

Diseases and conditions that can affect the apocrine sweat glands include hidradenitis suppurativa, a chronic skin condition characterized by the inflammation of the sweat glands, and apocrine carcinoma, a rare form of sweat gland cancer.

See also

• Eccrine sweat gland
• Sweat
• Hidradenitis suppurativa
• Apocrine carcinoma