Arizona Esthetics State Board Practice Exam

Which gland is specifically responsible for thermoregulation?

1. Sebaceous gland

2. Eccrine gland

3. Apocrine gland

4. Exocrine gland

The correct answer is: Eccrine gland

The eccrine gland plays a crucial role in thermoregulation, which is the body’s process of maintaining its core internal temperature. These glands are primarily located all over the skin and are particularly abundant on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and forehead. When the body heats up, whether from exercise, high temperatures, or stress, the eccrine glands secrete a watery fluid—commonly known as sweat—onto the surface of the skin. As this sweat evaporates, it cools the skin and the blood vessels below, effectively helping to lower the body temperature. This mechanism is vital for preventing overheating and ensuring optimal bodily functions. Other glands like sebaceous, apocrine, and exocrine glands have different primary functions. The sebaceous glands are responsible for producing oil to lubricate and protect the skin, while apocrine glands are primarily associated with scent and are triggered by hormonal changes, becoming more active during puberty. Exocrine glands refer to a broader category that includes all glands that secrete substances outside of the body or target bodily cavities, but they do not specifically focus on thermoregulatory functions. Hence, the eccrine gland's specific role in cooling the body through sweat secretion makes it the