Higinäärmed

Higinäärmed, also known as sweat glands, are coiled tubular glands that are found in the skin of mammals. They are responsible for producing sweat, which plays a crucial role in thermoregulation and excretion. There are two main types of sweat glands: eccrine glands and apocrine glands.

Eccrine glands are the most numerous type and are distributed throughout the body, particularly on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and forehead. They produce a watery secretion that helps to cool the body through evaporation. This type of sweat is primarily composed of water and salts, with trace amounts of other substances like urea and ammonia.

Apocrine glands, on the other hand, are found in specific areas of the body, such as the armpits, groin, and around the nipples. These glands become active during puberty and produce a thicker, milkier secretion that contains fatty acids and proteins. The breakdown of this secretion by bacteria on the skin's surface is responsible for body odor. Apocrine sweat is thought to play a role in pheromonal communication in some species.

The secretion of sweat is regulated by the autonomic nervous system, with both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems influencing gland activity. Factors such as heat, physical exertion, emotional stress, and certain medications can stimulate sweat production. The amount of sweat produced can vary significantly between individuals and in response to different environmental conditions.