Sweat gland

A sweat gland is a gland located beneath the skin which secretes sweat. There are two different types in human beings depending on their location and the type of sweat they secrete.

The eccrine sweat glands are located throughout the body (except on the genital areas) and are found particularly in the palms of the hands, bottom of the feet and on the forehead. The most internal part of the gland is located in the dermis whereas the most external part forms a pore on the surface of the skin.

They secrete sweat, which is a hypotonic fluid obtained from filtering blood plasma (containing water and electrolytes), which provides heat regulation from transpiration.

Are only active from puberty onwards and are connected to the hair follicles in the axilla (armpit) and around the anus and nipples. They only contribute to a limited extent to heat regulation and secrete pheromones which in animals play a role in sexuality, marking territories .... although they may also have a role in human beings.