Eccrine
Eccrine
Eccrine (pronunciation: /ˈɛkrɪn/), also known as eccrine sweat glands, are a type of sweat gland that are found in almost all regions of the human skin. They are responsible for the production of sweat which helps in thermoregulation and excretion of waste products.
Etymology
The term "eccrine" is derived from the Greek word "ekkrinein" which means "to secrete". This is in reference to the function of these glands which secrete sweat onto the surface of the skin.
Function
Eccrine glands are responsible for the production and secretion of sweat. This sweat is primarily composed of water, with small amounts of salt, glucose, and urea. The primary function of eccrine sweat glands is to help regulate body temperature through evaporation. When the body temperature rises, the eccrine glands secrete sweat onto the skin surface. As this sweat evaporates, it helps to cool the body.
Related Terms
- Apocrine: Another type of sweat gland that is larger than eccrine glands and found in areas like the armpits and groin.
- Sudoriferous glands: A general term for sweat glands, which includes both eccrine and apocrine glands.
- Thermoregulation: The process by which the body maintains its internal temperature.
- Sweat: The fluid produced by sweat glands, which helps to cool the body and excrete waste products.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Eccrine
- Wikipedia's article - Eccrine
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