| Eccrine
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eccrine glands are the most numerous
type, which are found all over the body, particularly
on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and forehead;
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they are smaller;
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active from birth (apocrine glands become active
only at puberty);
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produce a sweat that is free of proteins and fatty
acids.
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Apocrine
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Apocrine glands are mostly
confined to the armpits (axilla) and
the anal-genital area. They typically end in hair follicles
rather than pores.
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The sweat from apocrine glands also contains proteins
and fatty acids, which make it thicker and give it a
milkier or yellowish colour. This is why underarm stains
in clothing appear yellowish. Sweat itself has no odour,
but when bacteria on the skin and hair metabolise the
proteins and fatty acids, they produce an unpleasant
odour. This is why deodorants and anti-perspirants are
applied to the underarms instead of the whole body.
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Sweat composition
Sweat consists of water, salts and urea, which enters the
gland from cells and capillaries.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the lining of your outer ear has modified
apocrine glands called ceruminous glands?
These modified sweat glands produce earwax.
Earwax is thought to prevent foreign material, including insects,
from entering your ears!
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