College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

What is the primary function of eccrine sweat glands?

1. Thermal regulation

2. Emotional response

3. Detoxification

4. Protection against bacteria

The correct answer is: Thermal regulation

The primary function of eccrine sweat glands is thermal regulation. These glands are distributed widely across the body and play a crucial role in maintaining body temperature. When the body heats up due to environmental factors or physical activity, eccrine sweat glands produce sweat, which is primarily composed of water and electrolytes. As sweat evaporates from the skin's surface, it cools the body down, helping to prevent overheating. This process is essential for maintaining homeostasis and ensures that bodily functions continue to operate efficiently even in varying temperature conditions. Other functions associated with sweat glands might include emotional responses and some level of detoxification, but these roles are secondary to the crucial thermal regulation function. Eccrine sweat glands are significantly involved in the body's response to heat rather than serving as a primary means of detoxification or as a protective barrier against bacteria, which is more related to other skin components and mechanisms.