ECCRINE GLANDS Meaning and
Definition
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Eccrine glands are small tubular structures found in the dermis, or the middle layer of the skin, which play a vital role in the human body's thermoregulation process. These glands are present all over the body, with the highest concentration in the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and forehead, and they are specifically responsible for the production and excretion of sweat, a transparent, odorless, and watery substance.
Composed of coiled secretory cells, eccrine glands are innervated by the sympathetic nervous system and are activated by various stimuli, such as an increase in body temperature, physical activity, or emotional stress. Once stimulated, these glands secrete sweat onto the surface of the skin through tiny ducts. Sweat is primarily composed of water, electrolytes, and waste products, and it functions as a coolant for the body, helping to regulate body temperature through the process of perspiration and evaporation.
Notably, eccrine glands are distinct from apocrine sweat glands, which are larger and are found primarily in the armpits and genital regions. Unlike apocrine glands, which produce sweat that is thicker, with a stronger odor due to the presence of bacteria, eccrine glands produce sweat that is primarily water-based and does not have a distinct smell.
Overall, eccrine glands are crucial in maintaining the body's internal temperature by allowing for efficient cooling through the production of sweat, ensuring the body functions optimally and avoids potential overheating or hyperthermia.
Common Misspellings for ECCRINE GLANDS
- wccrine glands
- sccrine glands
- dccrine glands
- rccrine glands
- 4ccrine glands
- 3ccrine glands
- excrine glands
- evcrine glands
- efcrine glands
- edcrine glands
- ecxrine glands
- ecvrine glands
- ecfrine glands
- ecdrine glands
- ecceine glands
- eccdine glands
- eccfine glands
- ecctine glands
- ecc5ine glands
- ecc4ine glands
Etymology of ECCRINE GLANDS
The term "eccrine glands" is derived from the Latin word "eccrinus" and the Greek word "ekkrinein".
The Latin word "eccrinus" means "separate" or "distinct", while the Greek word "ekkrinein" means "to secrete". Together, these words represent the primary function of eccrine glands, which is to secrete sweat.
The concept of eccrine glands dates back to ancient Greece, where human anatomy and physiology were extensively studied. The term was later adopted into modern medical terminology to classify the specific type of sweat glands found in the human body.
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