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

Which type of sweat gland is primarily responsible for regulating body temperature?

1. Apocrine glands

2. Eccrine glands

3. Sebaceous glands

4. All sweat glands

The correct answer is: Eccrine glands

Eccrine glands play a crucial role in regulating body temperature through the process of sweating. These glands are distributed widely across the body, particularly on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and forehead. When the body's temperature rises due to exercise, heat, or stress, the eccrine glands secrete sweat onto the skin's surface. As this sweat evaporates, it effectively cools the body, thus helping to maintain a stable internal temperature. In contrast, apocrine glands, which are primarily located in areas such as the armpits and groin, do not significantly contribute to thermoregulation. Their secretion is more associated with emotional responses and begins to function at puberty. Sebaceous glands, on the other hand, are not involved in thermoregulation at all. Instead, they secrete sebum, an oily substance that helps to moisten the skin and hair, but does not play a role in cooling the body. While it's true that all sweat glands contribute to the fluid balance of the skin, eccrine glands are specifically designed for temperature regulation, making them the primary players in this physiological process.