What are the two types of sweat glands in humans?

Prepare for the Science Olympiad Integumentary System Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations to boost your understanding. Ace your exam!

The correct answer identifies eccrine and apocrine glands as the two main types of sweat glands in humans. Eccrine glands are distributed widely across the body, particularly on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and forehead. They play a critical role in thermoregulation by producing a watery secretion that helps cool the body through evaporation.

Apocrine glands, on the other hand, are primarily located in areas like the armpits and groin and become active during puberty. Their secretions are thicker and can contribute to body odor, as they are influenced by hormones and become more pronounced in response to stress or sexual excitement.

The other options refer to glands that are not primarily classified as sweat glands. For instance, sebaceous glands are responsible for oil production in the skin and hair follicles and do not produce sweat. Merocrine glands is another term often used interchangeably with eccrine glands, but it is not one of the main types of sweat glands recognized in the context of human physiology. The distinction between eccrine and apocrine glands is fundamental to understanding how the integumentary system helps regulate body temperature and manage moisture.

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