Which type of sudoriferous gland is found all over the body?

• A. Apoeccrine
• B. Eccrine
• C. Apocrine
• D. Subcutaneous

Answer: (B)

Eccrine glands are the type of sudoriferous (sweat) glands that are distributed all over the body. They are responsible for producing a watery, clear sweat primarily composed of water and electrolytes, which plays a significant role in thermoregulation and maintaining body temperature by evaporative cooling. Eccrine glands are particularly abundant on the palms, soles of the feet, and forehead.

In contrast, apocrine glands are primarily located in specific areas, such as the armpits and groin, and are associated with hair follicles. Their secretion is thicker, fatty, and protein-rich, which can lead to body odor when broken down by bacteria on the skin surface. Apoeccrine is a less commonly recognized type of gland and is often regarded as a variation of apocrine glands, found in areas like the axillae. Subcutaneous is not a type of sudoriferous gland; rather, it refers to the layer of tissue beneath the skin that contains fat and connective tissue.

Thus, the widespread distribution of eccrine glands throughout the body makes them distinct and crucial for effective thermoregulation and homeostasis.