Describe the structure and function of the different types of exocrine glands found in the skin

Question

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Answer 1

Sebaceous glands are oil glands. They are connected to hair follicles (with few exceptions). The secreting portion lies in the dermis and opens into the neck of a hair follicle. They are absent in the palms and soles. The secretory product of sebaceous gland is known as sebum. Sebum prevents the hair from drying and becoming brittle. Sudoriferous glands are sweat glands. They release sweat into hair follicles or onto the skin surface through pores. There are two types of sweat glands: Eccrine and Apocrine. Eccrine sweat glands are distributed throughout the skin including the palm and the soles. The sweat produced by these glands contains water, ions, urea, uric acid, ammonia, amino acids, glucose and lactic acid. The main function of eccrine glands is to regulate body temperature. Apocrine sweat glands are predominantly found in the skin of the axilla, groin, areolae and the bearded region of the face. The sweat produced by apocrine glands is lightly viscous and appears milky or yellowish in color. They contain similar type of material found in eccrine glands with an addition of lipids and proteins. Upon interaction with bacteria on the surface of the skin, the components are metabolized causing the distinct body odor. Ceruminous glands are modified sweat glands found in the external ear. They produce the ear wax knows as cerumen which is a combined secretion of ceruminous and sebaceous glands.