Apocrine sweat glands are large coiled glands found mainly in the armpits, the groin and around the nipples and anus. They open into hair follicles rather than directly onto the skin. They become active at puberty and release a thicker, protein- and lipid-rich sweat.
| Location | Mainly the axillae, anogenital region and areolae; secretory coil in the deep dermis or hypodermis |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Sympathetic postganglionic fibres (mainly adrenergic) |
| Blood Supply | Dermal capillaries |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Secrete a thicker sweat that is thought to play a role in scent signalling; activity rises with emotional stress.
Their sweat is odourless when secreted; body odour develops when skin bacteria break it down. Specialised apocrine glands include the ceruminous glands of the ear canal and the ciliary glands of the eyelid. Chronic inflammation and blockage of follicles in apocrine areas causes hidradenitis suppurativa.
A chronic inflammatory condition of the armpits and groin with painful lumps, abscesses and scarring.
Unpleasant body odour from bacterial breakdown of apocrine sweat.
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