Apocrine sweat gland

Definition

Apocrine sweat glands are specialized sweat glands found in certain areas of the body such as the armpits, groin, and around the nipples, which secrete a thicker form of sweat that contributes to body odor when decomposed by bacteria on the skin. Unlike eccrine glands, they begin functioning at puberty and are larger and located deeper in the skin.

Related terms

Eccrine Sweat Gland:

These are small sweat glands distributed over much of the body that help regulate body temperature by releasing a watery sweat.

Sebaceous Gland:

These glands secrete an oily substance called sebum into hair follicles to lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair.

Hair Follicle:

A dynamic organ found in mammalian skin; it resides in the dermal layer of the skin and is responsible for producing hair