The sweat glands are responsible for sweating. These glands are tiny organs found in the skin that produce and release sweat. There are two main types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine.
- Eccrine sweat glands are the most common type, and they are found all over the body. They produce a clear, odorless sweat that helps to regulate body temperature.
- Apocrine sweat glands are found in areas like the armpits and groin. They produce a thicker, milky sweat that can have a stronger odor, especially after it interacts with bacteria on the skin.
Sweating is an essential part of the body's thermoregulation system. When the body gets too hot, the nervous system signals the sweat glands to release sweat. As the sweat evaporates from the skin, it cools the body down.
Sweating can also be triggered by other factors, such as stress, anxiety, and certain medications. In some cases, excessive sweating can be a sign of a medical condition, such as hyperhidrosis.