Apocrine glands
Apocrine Glands
Apocrine glands (/əˈprɪkrɪn/; from Greek apo– 'away' and krinein 'to separate') are a type of sweat gland that is found in certain locations of the human body, such as the armpits, nipples, ear canal, eyelids, and genital area.
Etymology
The term "apocrine" is derived from the Greek words "apo", meaning "away", and "krinein", meaning "to separate". This refers to the method of secretion, where the top part of the cell breaks away and is released into the ductal system.
Function
Apocrine glands are responsible for producing and secreting a viscous, cloudy, and potentially odorous substance. This substance is initially odorless, but when it comes into contact with bacteria on the skin's surface, it can produce a characteristic body odor.
Structure
Apocrine glands are larger than the other main type of sweat gland, the eccrine glands. They are tubular in structure and their secretory portion is located in the dermis, the second layer of the skin. The duct of the apocrine gland opens into the hair follicle, leading to the surface of the skin.
Related Terms
- Eccrine glands: These are the other main type of sweat gland found in the human body. Unlike apocrine glands, eccrine glands are not associated with hair follicles and they secrete a clear, odorless sweat directly onto the skin's surface.
- Sebaceous glands: These glands are found all over the body, except for the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. They secrete sebum, an oily substance that helps to lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair.
- Holocrine glands: These are glands in which the entire cell disintegrates to secrete its substances, such as the sebaceous glands of the skin.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Apocrine glands
- Wikipedia's article - Apocrine glands
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