The two types of glands primarily found in the dermis are sweat glands (eccrine and apocrine) and sebaceous glands. While technically, both sweat glands and sebaceous glands reside partially in the dermis, eccrine and apocrine glands are the two main types of sweat glands within the dermal layer. Therefore, the most precise answer, focusing on the two types of sweat glands, is:
The two types of sweat glands in the dermis are eccrine glands and apocrine glands.
Eccrine Sweat Glands
Eccrine sweat glands are widely distributed across the body, particularly on the palms, soles, and forehead.
- Function: Primarily responsible for thermoregulation through the secretion of sweat, which cools the body as it evaporates.
- Location: Found throughout the body, with a high concentration on the palms and soles.
- Ducts: Open directly onto the skin's surface through pores.
- Secretion: Produce a watery, odorless sweat containing electrolytes, urea, and other substances.
Apocrine Sweat Glands
Apocrine sweat glands are mainly found in areas with abundant hair follicles, such as the armpits and groin.
- Function: Produce a thicker, more viscous sweat that contains proteins and fats. This secretion is initially odorless, but bacteria break it down, leading to body odor.
- Location: Predominantly located in the axillae (armpits), groin, and areolae of the nipples.
- Ducts: Open into hair follicles, leading to the skin's surface.
- Secretion: Secrete a milky or yellowish fluid containing proteins, lipids, and steroids. This fluid becomes odorous when broken down by bacteria on the skin.
