Sweat glands are small tubular structures located in the skin that produce sweat. They are also known as sudoriferous or sudoriparous glands, from the Latin word sudor meaning "sweat". These glands play a crucial role in regulating body temperature through perspiration.
There are two main types of sweat glands:
- Eccrine sweat glands: These glands are the most numerous and are distributed across almost the entire body surface. They are responsible for the majority of sweat production and help regulate body temperature.
- Apocrine sweat glands: These glands are located in areas like the armpits, groin, and scalp. They produce a thicker, oily sweat that can become odoriferous when mixed with bacteria.
Sweat glands are vital organs that help maintain our body's internal balance and protect us from overheating.
