What type of sweat gland is predominantly located under the arms?

• A. Merocrine
• B. Aprocine
• C. Eccrine
• D. Apocrine

Answer: (D)

The type of sweat gland predominantly located under the arms is the apocrine gland. Apocrine glands are larger than eccrine glands and are primarily found in specific areas of the body, including the armpits, groin, and around the nipples. They often become active during puberty and are associated with hair follicles.

Apocrine glands secrete a thicker, milky sweat that contains proteins and fatty acids, which can lead to body odor when it is broken down by bacteria on the skin’s surface. This type of sweat gland responds to emotional stimuli and stress rather than temperature regulation, which is the primary function of eccrine glands.

Eccrine glands, in contrast, are distributed all over the body and are responsible for regulating body temperature through the secretion of a watery, salt-based sweat. They are not specifically concentrated in the underarm area. Understanding the distinction between these two types of glands helps clarify why apocrine glands are found in areas like the underarms, where they play a role in scent production and are linked to specific body hair.