potením

Potením, also known as sweating, is a physiological process that plays a crucial role in thermoregulation and detoxification in humans and many other animals. The primary function of sweating is to cool the body. When the body temperature rises, either due to physical activity, environmental heat, or fever, the sweat glands are stimulated to release a fluid onto the skin's surface. As this fluid evaporates, it absorbs heat from the body, thus lowering the body's core temperature.

The fluid secreted by sweat glands is primarily water, along with small amounts of electrolytes such as sodium, chloride, and potassium, and trace amounts of urea and other metabolic byproducts. While sweating is often associated with removing waste products, its role in detoxification is considered secondary to its thermoregulatory function. The amount of sweat produced can vary significantly depending on factors like ambient temperature, humidity, activity level, and individual physiology. Excessive sweating, known as hyperhidrosis, can be a medical condition requiring attention, while insufficient sweating, or anhidrosis, can be dangerous as it impairs the body's ability to cool itself. Emotional states, such as stress or fear, can also trigger sweating, often referred to as a "cold sweat."