Eccrine Sweat Glands
Eccrine sweat glands are smaller than apocrine sweat glands, and they do not extend as deep into the dermis. Eccrine sweat glands are coiled tubular glands that discharge their secretions directly onto the surface of the skin. Their density varies greatly according to body regions, the highest density (>250 glands/cm2) being on soles, palms, and scalp.
The clear secretion produced by eccrine sweat glands is termed sweat or sensible perspiration. Sweat is mostly water, but it does contain some electrolytes, since it is derived from blood plasma, although less concentrated. It therefore contains mainly sodium chloride, but also other electrolytes. The presence of sodium chloride gives sweat a salty taste. The total volume of sweat produced depends on the number of functional glands and the size of the surface opening. The degree of secretory activity is regulated by neural and hormonal mechanisms (men produce greater volumes of sweat than women). When all of the eccrine sweat glands are working at maximum, the rate of perspiration for a human being may exceed three liters per hour, and dangerous fluid and electrolyte losses can occur.
Eccrine glands have three primary functions:
- Thermoregulation. Sweat cools the surface of the skin and reduces body temperature.
- Excretion. Eccrine sweat gland secretion can also provide a significant excretory route for water and electrolytes..
- Protection. Eccrine sweat gland secretion aids in preserving the skin's acid mantle, which helps protect the skin from colonisation from bacteria and other pathogenic organisms.
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