Arizona Esthetics State Board Practice Exam

What do sudoriferous glands primarily produce?

1. Oil

2. Sebum

3. Sweat

4. Hair

The correct answer is: Sweat

Sudoriferous glands, also known as sweat glands, primarily produce sweat. These glands are crucial for regulating body temperature and maintaining homeostasis through the process of perspiration. When the body temperature rises, either due to environmental heat or physical activity, these glands secrete sweat onto the skin surface. As the sweat evaporates, it cools the skin and the underlying blood vessels. The sweat produced by sudoriferous glands contains water, salts, and various metabolic waste products, and it plays a significant role in detoxification and maintaining the skin's hydration levels. In addition to thermoregulation, sweat also helps protect the skin by providing a light acidic barrier that can inhibit the growth of certain pathogens. Thus, understanding the function of sudoriferous glands is essential in the field of esthetics, particularly when discussing skin health and treatment methods that may involve sweat production and control.