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apocrine vs. eccrine

apocrine vs. eccrine: What's the difference?

Apocrine and eccrine are both types of sweat glands. Eccrine glands are found all over the body and secrete a thin, watery sweat that cools the skin. Apocrine glands are found in the armpits and perineal areas, and are attached to hair follicles. The latter secrete a thicker sweat, which is acted on by bacteria to produce the all-too-familiar “sweat smell."

apocrine

[ ap-uh-krin, -krahyn, -kreen ]
adjective
  1. of or relating to certain glands whose secretions are acted upon by bacteria to produce the characteristic odor of perspiration (distinguished from eccrine).
  2. of or relating to such secretions: apocrine sweat.

eccrine

[ ek-rin, -rahyn, -reen ]
adjective
  1. of or relating to certain sweat glands, distributed over the entire body, that secrete a type of sweat important for regulating body heat (distinguished from apocrine).
  2. of or relating to secretions of these glands: eccrine sweat.
  3. exocrine.

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