# Sweat Glands --- **Sweat glands** are a type of [[exocrine gland]] that are [[integumentary system#Accessory Structures|accessory structures]] in the integumentary system. They produce **sweat** which they secrete onto the skin through [[exocrine gland#Secretion Mechanisms|merocrine secretion]] in order to cool the body. ## Eccrine & Apocrine There are two types of sweat glands, **eccrine** and **apocrine**. **Eccrine** or **merocrine sweat glands** are found all over the body and produce sweat that's mostly water with some salt, [[antibodies]], waste, and an [[antimicrobial substances|antimicrobial substance]] called **dermicidin**. Their main function is to help maintain [[body temperature]]. They are the smaller than apocrine glands and secrete the sweat directly onto the surface of the skin. They are more abundant on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and the forehead. **Apocrine sweat glands** are limited to the groin and armpit area, and are usually associated with [[hair#The Hair Follicle Bulb|hair follicles]]. They are larger than eccrine sweat glands and are found deeper in the [[dermis]]. Apocirne sweat also contains extra organic compounds like proteins, lipids and sebum, that are oderless when they come out, but are then eaten by our [[normal microbiota|normal flora]] which then produces a smell. ![[sweat glands.png]] ___