Sudoriferous gland

Sudoriferous glands, also known as sweat glands, are small tubular structures of the skin that produce sweat. They are a part of the integumentary system, which includes the skin, hair, nails, and exocrine glands. Sudoriferous glands are found in the dermis layer of the skin and are responsible for thermoregulation and waste excretion.

Types of Sudoriferous Glands

There are two main types of sudoriferous glands: eccrine glands and apocrine glands.

Eccrine Glands

Eccrine glands are the most common type of sweat gland, found all over the body, particularly on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and forehead. They are responsible for thermoregulation, or controlling the body's temperature. When the body's internal temperature rises, the eccrine glands release a water-based secretion onto the skin's surface, which cools the body as it evaporates.

Apocrine Glands

Apocrine glands are larger than eccrine glands and are found in areas with a high concentration of hair follicles, such as the armpits and the groin. These glands produce a thicker, milky sweat that is responsible for body odor. The sweat from apocrine glands is released in response to emotional stress and sexual stimulation.

Function of Sudoriferous Glands

The primary function of sudoriferous glands is to regulate body temperature through the process of perspiration. When the body's internal temperature rises, the sweat glands release sweat onto the skin's surface. As the sweat evaporates, it cools the skin and reduces the body's temperature.

In addition to thermoregulation, sudoriferous glands also play a role in excreting waste products from the body. Sweat contains urea, uric acid, and ammonia, which are byproducts of protein metabolism. By excreting these substances through sweat, the sudoriferous glands help to maintain the body's homeostasis.

See Also

• Integumentary system
• Eccrine glands
• Apocrine glands
• Perspiration