AXILLARY GLANDS Meaning and
Definition
-
Axillary glands, also known as sweat glands or sudoriferous glands, refer to a group of small, glandular structures located in the armpit or axilla region of the human body. These glands are vital components of the integumentary system, which includes the skin and its associated appendages.
The main function of axillary glands is to produce and secrete sweat, a clear, watery fluid. Sweat is composed mainly of water, but also contains important electrolytes, such as sodium and chloride, as well as waste products like urea. These glands thus play a crucial role in thermoregulation, helping to cool the body through evaporation of sweat from the skin's surface, particularly during activities that generate heat or in response to increased body temperature.
Axillary glands are classified as eccrine or apocrine glands, based on their structure and secretion. Eccrine glands are the most numerous type and are found throughout the body, being particularly abundant in the palms, soles, and axillary regions. Apocrine glands, on the other hand, are larger and are mainly concentrated in the armpits and genital areas. While eccrine glands produce sweat directly onto the skin, apocrine glands secrete a thicker fluid that interacts with bacteria on the skin's surface, leading to the characteristic odor associated with underarm sweat.
In addition to their thermoregulatory function, axillary glands also contribute to maintaining the skin's pH balance, protecting against certain pathogens, and lubricating the skin's surface.
Common Misspellings for AXILLARY GLANDS
- axillary gland
- zxillary glands
- sxillary glands
- wxillary glands
- qxillary glands
- azillary glands
- acillary glands
- adillary glands
- asillary glands
- axullary glands
- axjllary glands
- axkllary glands
- axollary glands
- ax9llary glands
- ax8llary glands
- axiklary glands
- axiplary glands
- axiolary glands
- axilkary glands
- axilpary glands
Etymology of AXILLARY GLANDS
The term "axillary glands" originates from the combination of two words: "axillary" and "glands".
1. Axillary: The word "axillary" is derived from the Latin word "axillaris", which means "armpit". It is related to the anatomical region between the upper limb and the chest.
2. Glands: The term "glands" comes from the Latin word "glandula", which refers to an organ or structure that secretes substances necessary for various bodily functions.
When combined, "axillary glands" refers to the collection of small organs or structures located in the armpit region that produce and secrete substances important for body physiology, such as sweat.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
