Structures deep within the skin that produce sweat, which is mainly water with some dissolved substances, including salt. There are 2 types of sweat glands: eccrine glands, which are most numerous and open directly on to the skin surface, and apocrine glands, which develop at puberty. Apocrine glands, which open into a hair follicle, occur only in hairy areas, particularly the armpits, pubic region, and around the anus. The sweat glands are controlled by the autonomic nervous system. The glands are usually stimulated to keep the body cool, but anxiety or fear can also cause sweating. Sweat is odourless until bacteria act upon it, producing body odour. A common disorder of the sweat glands is prickly heat. Other disorders include hyperhidrosis and hypohidrosis.
Sweat glands |
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