Glands of the Skin

There are different types of glands that are involved with our skin and hair.   The Apocrine and Eccrine glands, as well as Sebaceous glands play different roles for the proper function of your skin.  Each gland has its own job that has a direct result on your body.    Below I touch base with some of the basics of each.

Sebaceous and Apocrine Glands

Sebaceous Glands- These glands are found over the entire body  except on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet.  Sebaceaous glands secrete a semi liquid substance which is called Sebum.   Sebum is an oily based secretion that also contains water, fatty acids, salts and fats as well as cellular waste.     The function of these glands are to rid the body of cellular waste as well as maintain moisture of  the skin inorder to protect it from outside factors.

Apocrine Glands- These glands can only be found in the axillary (underarm)  and genital areas.  They give off a milky secretion that has an odor.   They become active when a person goes thru puberty, and can be found alone as well as with the hair follicle and Sebeaceous gland.

Eccrine Glands

Eccrine Glands- Are found over the entire body and secrete a watery saline based perspiration. The main function of Eccrine glands is to cool the body.  When the body is in motion as with exercise or phyiscal work, the eccrine glands release a watery based saline that helps regulate the body's temperature.

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