apocrine vs. eccrine

apocrine vs. eccrine: 's the difference?

Apocrine and eccrine are both types of sweat glands. Eccrine glands are found all over the body and secrete a thin, watery sweat that cools the skin. Apocrine glands are found in the armpits and perineal areas, and are attached to hair follicles. The latter secrete a thicker sweat, which is acted on by bacteria to produce the all-too-familiar “sweat smell."

apocrine

adjective

Physiology.
  1. of or relating to certain glands whose secretions are acted upon by bacteria to produce the characteristic odor of perspiration ( eccrine ).
  2. of or relating to such secretions:

    apocrine sweat.

eccrine

adjective

Physiology.
  1. of or relating to certain sweat glands, distributed over the entire body, that secrete a type of sweat important for regulating body heat ( apocrine ).
  2. of or relating to secretions of these glands:

    eccrine sweat.