Pronunciation: [ˈɛkɹa͡ɪn] (IPA) 
The word "eccrine" comes from the Greek word "ekkrinōn," meaning "to secrete." It is pronounced /ˈɛkrɪn/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the stress on the first syllable. The "cc" in "eccrine" represents the sound /k/ as in "cat," and the final "e" is pronounced as a schwa sound /ə/. Eccrine sweat glands are found all over the skin of the human body and produce sweat that helps regulate body temperature.
Eccrine is an adjective used to describe certain glands, specifically the eccrine glands, that are present in the skin of mammals, including humans. Eccrine glands are one of two types of sweat glands found in the body, with the other being the apocrine glands.
The eccrine glands are abundant and widely distributed throughout the skin, playing a vital role in thermoregulation by producing sweat. This sweat, composed mainly of water, salt, and small amounts of other substances, is excreted through small openings on the skin's surface called pores.
Unlike apocrine glands, which are mainly located in specific areas like the armpits and groin, eccrine glands are found almost everywhere on the body, particularly in areas such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and forehead. They become active during physical activity, in response to high temperatures, or as a result of emotional stress.
The term "eccrine" is derived from the Greek word "ekkrinein" meaning "to secrete," accurately reflecting the primary function of these glands. Their secretion assists in cooling the body, maintaining temperature homeostasis, and eliminating waste products. Eccrine glands also play a minor role in excreting certain drugs and metabolites.
Understanding the functions and characteristics of eccrine glands is significant in various medical fields such as dermatology, endocrinology, and environmental physiology, as abnormalities or dysfunctions of the eccrine system can manifest in conditions like hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) or anhidrosis (inability to sweat).
The word "eccrine" is derived from the Greek term "ekkrinein", which means "to secrete". It is a combination of the prefix "ek" (meaning "out") and "krinein" (meaning "to separate, secrete"). This accurately describes the function of the eccrine glands, which are responsible for secreting sweat onto the surface of the skin.
