Apokriinit

Apokriinit are a type of exocrine gland found in the skin of mammals, including humans. They are distinct from holocrine and merocrine glands based on their mode of secretion. Apocrine glands release their secretions by pinching off a portion of their cytoplasm, which contains the secreted material, while the main cell body remains intact. This process is known as "apocrine secretion." The secretions from apocrine glands are typically thicker and more viscous than those from merocrine glands. They often contain lipids and proteins and are thought to play a role in scent marking or communication in many animal species. In humans, apocrine glands are primarily located in specific areas such as the axillae (armpits), the groin, and around the nipples. Their activity is generally influenced by hormonal changes, particularly during puberty. While their exact function in humans is not fully understood, they are believed to contribute to body odor when their secretions are broken down by bacteria on the skin surface. The characteristic odor associated with apocrine sweat is distinct from the odor produced by the more numerous merocrine sweat glands.