The main function of sweat is to regulate body temperature. This process, known as thermoregulation, works through evaporative cooling. As sweat evaporates from the skin's surface, it draws heat away from the body, thus lowering its temperature.
Beyond Thermoregulation: Additional Roles of Sweat
While thermoregulation is the primary function, sweat also plays secondary roles:
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Excretion: Sweat glands help eliminate small amounts of water, electrolytes (like sodium and chloride), and other waste products from the body. This excretory function is less significant than the kidneys' role, but still contributes to overall bodily homeostasis. As noted in multiple sources, "The secretion of eccrine sweat glands can be an essential pathway for eliminating electrolytes and water." [Physiology of sweat gland function] and "Sweat glands are perceived to play an important excretory function, similar to that of the renal system, responsible for clearing excess micronutrients..." [Physiology of sweat gland function].
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Composition: Sweat is primarily water but also contains salts. [Sweat - Better Health Channel] This composition facilitates its role in thermoregulation and excretion.
Multiple sources confirm the primary role of sweat in temperature control: "[Sweat's] main function is to control body temperature," [Sweat - Better Health Channel], "Sweat's main function is to regulate your body temperature (thermoregulation)," [What Is Sweat & Why Do We Sweat?], and "Sweat glands are coiled tubular skin appendages and their main function is to control body temperature through water evaporation from the skin." [Sweat Gland - an overview]. Further, "Sweat's main purpose is to help the body cool down," [There Are Some Health Benefits Of Sweating].
