What is the structure of the sweat glands?
Sweat glands, also known as sudoriferous or sudoriparous glands, are small tubular structures found in the skin that produce sweat. Their structure isn't uniform; there are two main types with distinct structures: eccrine and apocrine.
Eccrine glands, the most common type, are found all over the body and open directly onto the skin's surface. Their structure is relatively simple:
- A secretory coil: This coiled tube is the main sweat-producing part of the gland. It's made of a simple tubular epithelium and is surrounded by a rich blood supply.
- A duct: This tube carries the sweat from the secretory coil to the skin's surface, where it opens via a pore.
Apocrine Sweat Glands
Apocrine glands are found in specific areas like the armpits and groin. They differ structurally from eccrine glands in that:
- They open into a hair follicle rather than directly onto the skin's surface.
- Their secretory portion is larger and more complex than that of eccrine glands.
Both eccrine and apocrine glands are essential for thermoregulation and other bodily functions. The body of each gland consists of a coiled tube, surrounded by a rich blood supply. The duct carries sweat to the skin surface (eccrine) or hair follicle (apocrine).
Summary Table
| Feature | Eccrine Glands | Apocrine Glands |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Most of the body | Armpits, groin, etc. |
| Opening | Directly onto skin surface | Into hair follicle |
| Secretions | Watery sweat | Thicker, oily sweat |
| Secretory Coil | Simple tubular epithelium | Larger and more complex |
| Function | Primarily thermoregulation | Possibly pheromone production |
