Massachusetts State Board Esthetics Practice Exam

What distinguishes eccrine glands from apocrine glands?

1. Eccrine glands are primarily located in the underarms.

2. Eccrine glands are not connected to hair follicles.

3. Eccrine glands are more active during emotional changes.

4. Eccrine glands are coiled structures.

The correct answer is: Eccrine glands are not connected to hair follicles.

Eccrine glands are distinguished from apocrine glands primarily by their connection to hair follicles. Eccrine glands are not connected to hair follicles, which is a key characteristic that sets them apart from apocrine glands. Instead, eccrine glands are directly connected to the surface of the skin and primarily function to regulate body temperature through the secretion of sweat. The sweat produced by eccrine glands is typically clear and composed mostly of water and salt, facilitating its role in thermoregulation and maintaining homeostasis in the body. This unassociated structure allows for the rapid evaporation of sweat, which cools the body efficiently. In contrast, apocrine glands are located in areas such as the underarms and the groin and are associated with hair follicles. They produce a thicker, milky secretion that can contribute to body odor when it interacts with bacteria on the skin’s surface. Understanding this distinction is crucial for recognizing the different roles these two types of sweat glands play in skin physiology and body temperature regulation.