ECCRINE GLAND Meaning and
Definition
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Eccrine glands are small, coiled, tubular structures found in the skin of humans and several other mammals. These glands are primarily responsible for a vital physiological function known as thermoregulation. Throughout the body, particularly on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and forehead, eccrine glands are abundant and play a crucial role in maintaining body temperature.
The eccrine glands are exocrine in nature, which means they secrete their products onto the surface of the skin rather than into the bloodstream. These glands produce a transparent, odorless fluid referred to as sweat or perspiration. Sweat is composed mainly of water, along with small amounts of electrolytes such as sodium, chloride, and potassium, as well as metabolic waste products. The secretion of sweat is triggered by physical exertion, heat, stress, or certain other stimuli.
The eccrine glands perform a key role in cooling down the body by evaporating heat from the skin surface. When the internal body temperature rises, the nervous system signals the eccrine glands to secrete sweat onto the skin. As the sweat evaporates, heat is effectively removed from the body, resulting in a decrease in body temperature. This process of evaporative cooling is crucial for the body to regulate its temperature within a narrow range, preventing overheating or hypothermia.
In addition to thermoregulation, eccrine glands also contribute to maintaining proper skin hydration and aiding in the elimination of waste products. Nonetheless, their primary function lies in assisting the body in maintaining a stable internal temperature.
Common Misspellings for ECCRINE GLAND
- wccrine gland
- sccrine gland
- dccrine gland
- rccrine gland
- 4ccrine gland
- 3ccrine gland
- excrine gland
- evcrine gland
- efcrine gland
- edcrine gland
- ecxrine gland
- ecvrine gland
- ecfrine gland
- ecdrine gland
- ecceine gland
- eccdine gland
- eccfine gland
- ecctine gland
- ecc5ine gland
Etymology of ECCRINE GLAND
The word "eccrine" is derived from the Greek word "ekkrinein", which means "to secrete". The Greek prefix "ek-" means "out" or "away", while "krinein" means "to separate" or "to distinguish". The term "gland" comes from the Latin word "glandula", which means "a small organ with a secretory function". Hence, the etymology of "eccrine gland" refers to a type of gland that secretes its product externally or away from the body. Eccrine glands are sweat glands that are widely distributed throughout the skin and play a pivotal role in thermoregulation by secreting sweat onto the skin's surface.
