Sweat Gland - Apocrine Sweat Glands

Apocrine Sweat Glands

The name apocrine was originally chosen because it was believed that the gland cells used an apocrine method of secretion. Although it is now known that their secretory products are produced through merocrine secretion, the name has not changed. Apocrine sweat glands are coiled tubular glands that produce a viscous, cloudy and potentially odorous secretion. Apocrine sweat glands discharge in the canals of hair follicles. They begin secreting at puberty; the sweat produced may be acted upon by bacteria, causing a noticeable odor. Apocrine gland secretions may also contain pheromones, chemicals that communicate information to other individuals by altering their hormonal balance. Some research has indicated that feminine secretions from apocrine sweat glands can alter the menstrual timing of other women (this is called the McClintock effect), though the research methods used have been criticized. The significance of human pheromones and the role of apocrine sweat gland secretions in humans remains incompletely understood.