Apocrine vs. Eccrine: What’s the Difference?

Sharing is caring!

Do you know the difference between apocrine and eccrine sweat glands? These two types of glands help your body in different ways. This easy guide explains how they work, why they matter, and what makes them unique.

Apocrine vs. Eccrine: The Basics

What Are Eccrine Glands?

Definition:
Eccrine glands are the most common sweat glands in your body. They are found almost everywhere, especially on:

• Forehead
• Palms of your hands
• Soles of your feet

Function:

The main job of eccrine glands is cooling your body. When your body gets too hot, these glands produce sweat that evaporates and cools you down.

What does eccrine sweat look like?

Eccrine sweat is clear, watery, and does not smell bad. It is mostly water and some salt.

Example sentence:

• Eccrine glands help you stay cool during exercise.

What Are Apocrine Glands?

Definition:

Apocrine glands are larger sweat glands found mainly in areas with lots of hair, such as:

• Armpits (underarms)
• Groin area
• Around the nipples

Function:

Apocrine glands are not mainly for cooling. They produce a thicker sweat that contains proteins and fats. This sweat is released into hair follicles (small sacs that grow hair).

When this sweat mixes with bacteria on your skin, it can produce body odor.

When do apocrine glands become active?

Apocrine glands start working during puberty. They also respond to:

• Stress
• Fear
• Emotional reactions

Example sentence:

• Apocrine glands are responsible for most body odor.

Main Differences Between Eccrine and Apocrine Glands

Example Sentences for Practice

Eccrine:

• Eccrine glands are especially concentrated on your palms and soles.
• When you feel nervous, your eccrine glands on your hands may produce extra sweat.
• Doctors say eccrine sweat helps remove excess salt from the body.
• During exercise, eccrine glands work harder to cool you down.
• People with hyperhidrosis have overactive eccrine glands that produce too much sweat.

Apocrine:

• Apocrine glands secrete a thicker fluid compared to eccrine glands.
• The bacteria that break down apocrine sweat create an unpleasant smell.
• Deodorant helps mask the odor produced by apocrine glands.
• Apocrine glands are connected to hair follicles in the underarm area.
• Emotional stress often activates the apocrine glands, leading to noticeable sweating.

Related Vocabulary

Related to Eccrine:

• Sweat pore – A small opening on the skin surface where sweat comes out.
  Example: Sweat pores release moisture to cool your body.

• Cooling mechanism – The process your body uses to lower temperature.
  Example: Sweating is a natural cooling mechanism.

• Electrolytes – Minerals like sodium and potassium found in sweat.
  Example: Eccrine sweat contains electrolytes that your body needs.

• Hydration – The state of having enough water in your body.
  Example: Sweating too much without drinking water can lead to dehydration.*

Related to Apocrine:

• Sebum – An oily substance that mixes with sweat and can affect odor.
  Example: Sebum is produced by sebaceous glands near apocrine glands.*

• Pheromones – Chemical signals that may be released through apocrine sweat.
  Example: Some scientists believe apocrine glands release pheromones.*

• Bacteria – Tiny organisms on your skin that break down sweat and cause smell.
  Example: Bacteria love the proteins in apocrine sweat.*

• Deodorant – A product used to mask or prevent body odor.
  Example: Many people use deodorant to control apocrine-related smells.*

Related:

• Macro vs. Micro
• Sardonic vs. Sarcastic
• Redneck vs. Hillbilly
• Efferent vs. Afferent
• Larynx vs. Pharynx
• Supersonic vs. Hypersonic
• Custodian vs. Janitor
• Autocracy vs. Oligarchy