Sweat
Sweat
Sweat (/swɛt/), also known as perspiration, is a clear, salty liquid produced by glands in the skin of mammals. The primary function of sweat is to regulate body temperature, but it also plays a role in the immune system by helping to fight off infections.
Etymology
The word "sweat" comes from the Old English "swat" which means "to perspire". The term "perspire" is derived from the Latin "perspirare" which means "to breathe through".
Production and Function
Sweat is produced by two types of sweat glands: eccrine glands and apocrine glands. Eccrine glands are found all over the body and produce a watery sweat, while apocrine glands are located in areas with a lot of hair follicles, like the armpits and groin, and produce a thicker sweat.
When the body's temperature rises, the nervous system stimulates the sweat glands to produce sweat. As the sweat evaporates from the skin, it cools the body down. This is known as thermoregulation.
Sweat also contains antimicrobial peptides, which help to fight off bacteria and other pathogens, contributing to the body's immune response.
Related Terms
- Hyperhidrosis: A condition characterized by excessive sweating.
- Anhidrosis: A condition where the body does not produce enough sweat.
- Hidradenitis suppurativa: A chronic skin condition that causes small, painful lumps to form under the skin, often in areas where skin rubs together or where there are many sweat glands.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Sweat
- Wikipedia's article - Sweat
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