How Many Sweat Glands Are in the Human Body?
The human body contains approximately 2 to 4 million sweat glands.
Humans possess two main types of sweat glands:
- Eccrine sweat glands: These are the most numerous, distributed across almost the entire body surface. They are responsible for thermoregulation (cooling the body). The highest density is found on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
- Apocrine sweat glands: These are located in areas with many hair follicles, such as the armpits and groin. They become active during puberty and produce a thicker, oily sweat that contributes to body odor.
Distribution and Density
Sweat gland density varies across the body. Areas like the palms, soles, forehead, and armpits have a higher concentration of sweat glands than other regions. The exact number of sweat glands can vary from person to person.
Sweat Gland Function
Sweat plays a vital role in human survival. It acts as the body's primary cooling mechanism, preventing overheating. The production and release of sweat are essential for maintaining a stable internal body temperature.
The information provided above is consistent with multiple sources including research articles and medical websites. For example, the article "Physiology of sweat gland function: The roles of sweating and sweat" mentions humans having ~2–4 million eccrine sweat glands.
