What is the primary physiological role of eccrine sweat glands?
Solution
Correct Answer: Option A
- The primary physiological role of eccrine sweat glands is to assist in thermoregulation.
- These glands are distributed widely across the skin surface and secrete a watery, odorless fluid—primarily composed of water and electrolytes.
- When the body temperature rises, eccrine sweat glands produce sweat that evaporates from the skin surface, leading to a cooling effect that helps maintain the body's core temperature within a safe range.
In contrast, other gland types have different functions: apocrine glands are involved in secreting pheromones, while sebaceous glands produce oily secretions that help lubricate hair shafts and provide waterproofing. Therefore, the eccrine sweat glands’ primary and most critical function is body temperature regulation through sweat secretion.
Key points:
- Eccrine glands produce a watery, electrolyte-rich sweat.
- Sweat evaporation leads to heat loss and cooling.
- This mechanism is essential for maintaining homeostasis during heat exposure or physical activity.
Reference: Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology, 26th Edition, Chapter 7 / Page 105
- These glands are distributed widely across the skin surface and secrete a watery, odorless fluid—primarily composed of water and electrolytes.
- When the body temperature rises, eccrine sweat glands produce sweat that evaporates from the skin surface, leading to a cooling effect that helps maintain the body's core temperature within a safe range.
In contrast, other gland types have different functions: apocrine glands are involved in secreting pheromones, while sebaceous glands produce oily secretions that help lubricate hair shafts and provide waterproofing. Therefore, the eccrine sweat glands’ primary and most critical function is body temperature regulation through sweat secretion.
Key points:
- Eccrine glands produce a watery, electrolyte-rich sweat.
- Sweat evaporation leads to heat loss and cooling.
- This mechanism is essential for maintaining homeostasis during heat exposure or physical activity.
Reference: Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology, 26th Edition, Chapter 7 / Page 105
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