Sweat glands, responsible for producing sweat, are also known as sudoriferous glands or sudoriparous glands. These terms derive from the Latin word "sudor," meaning sweat.
Understanding Sweat Glands
Sweat glands are tiny, tube-shaped structures found within the skin. They belong to the exocrine gland family, meaning they secrete substances onto the surface of the skin through ducts. There are two main types of sweat glands:
- Eccrine sweat glands: These are the most common type, found across most of your body. They open directly onto the skin's surface.
- Apocrine sweat glands: These glands open into hair follicles, leading to the skin's surface.
Several medical conditions can affect sweat gland function, including:
- Lamellar ichthyosis: A rare genetic disorder affecting sweat glands.
- Hyperhidrosis: A condition characterized by excessive sweating.
Various resources confirm the alternative names for sweat glands:
- StatPearls: Mentions sweat glands in the context of lamellar ichthyosis, a disorder impacting them.
- Mayo Clinic: Describes the two main types of sweat glands (eccrine and apocrine).
- Cleveland Clinic: Lists sweat glands among the various glands present in the dermis (also called corium).
- Wikipedia: Clearly states that sweat glands are also called sudoriferous or sudoriparous glands.
- Multiple Research Articles: Use the terms "sudoriferous" and "sudoriparous" interchangeably with "sweat gland" in discussions of sweat gland function and related diseases.
The term "hidradenoma" is sometimes mentioned in the context of sweat glands but specifically refers to a type of tumor originating in the sweat glands. It's not a general synonym.
