Other terms
- Arm
- Arrhythmia
- Arterial Closure
- Astigmatism
- Atherosclerosis
- Atopic Dermatitis
- Atrial Arrhythmia
- Atrial Fibrillation (Afib)
- Autoimmune Digestive Disorders
- B-lymphocytes
- Basal Cell Carcinoma
- Baseline
Apocrine Glands
What are Apocrine Glands? Apocrine glands are a type of sweat gland found in some regions of the body, including the armpits, areola of the breasts, ear canal, eyelids, wings of the nostrils, and the genital area. These glands secrete a milky, viscous fluid into the hair follicle, reaching the skin's surface.
Apocrine Gland Function
Apocrine glands are distinct from eccrine glands in that they are large and release their secretions into hair follicles rather than directly onto the skin’s surface. The sweat produced by apocrine glands has a rich composition of lipids, proteins, sugars, and ammonia, making it more viscous than the sweat produced by eccrine glands.
Although they are present from birth, these glands only become functional when an individual reaches puberty. They are primarily responsible for pheromone production and lubrication. The fatty secretion of the apocrine glands is broken down by bacteria on the skin, resulting in a distinct body odor.
The exact physiological mechanisms that stimulate apocrine gland activity remain an area of ongoing research. However, existing studies suggest that these glands are responsive to both adrenergic and cholinergic stimuli. During instances of emotional stress, the brain signals the release of stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones subsequently trigger the apocrine glands to produce sweat.
Source: https://www.britannica.com/science/apocrine-gland
