Apocrine secretion

Definition

Apocrine secretion is a type of glandular secretion characterized by the release of membrane-bound vesicles that contain the secretory product. This mechanism is primarily seen in certain glands, such as apocrine sweat glands, which are associated with hair follicles and play a role in scent production and pheromone release. Apocrine secretions are typically thicker and often contain proteins and lipids, contributing to their distinct odor when metabolized by skin bacteria.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Apocrine sweat glands are primarily found in areas with a high density of hair follicles, such as the armpits and groin.
2. These glands become active during puberty and are stimulated by emotional stress or hormonal changes.
3. The secretions from apocrine glands can lead to body odor due to bacterial decomposition of the organic components in the sweat.
4. Unlike eccrine glands, apocrine glands do not play a significant role in thermoregulation but are more associated with scent.
5. Apocrine secretions contain larger molecules and lipids compared to other types of sweat, making them more viscous and contributing to their distinctive smell.

Review Questions

• How do apocrine secretions differ from eccrine secretions in terms of composition and function?
  • Apocrine secretions differ from eccrine secretions primarily in their composition and function. While eccrine glands produce a clear, watery sweat primarily for thermoregulation, apocrine glands secrete a thicker fluid that contains proteins and lipids. This leads to distinct odor development when bacteria metabolize these components. Additionally, eccrine glands are widely distributed across the body for cooling purposes, whereas apocrine glands are concentrated in specific areas related to hair follicles and emotional responses.
• Discuss the physiological role of apocrine secretions during puberty and their impact on body odor.
  • During puberty, apocrine sweat glands become fully functional due to hormonal changes, leading to an increase in apocrine secretion. This secretion contains organic compounds that bacteria on the skin break down, resulting in body odor. The activation of these glands is also linked to emotional stimuli such as stress or excitement, emphasizing their role in non-verbal communication through scent. The increase in body odor during this time can be significant as it reflects maturity and can influence social interactions.
• Evaluate how apocrine secretion contributes to human communication and social behavior through pheromonal signaling.
  • Apocrine secretion plays a notable role in human communication by contributing to pheromonal signaling. The organic compounds present in apocrine sweat can act as chemical signals that affect the behavior and physiology of others within the same species. These pheromones can convey information regarding an individual's reproductive status or emotional state, influencing attraction and social bonding. Evaluating this connection underscores the importance of olfactory cues in human interactions and how apocrine secretions extend beyond mere biological functions to impact social dynamics.

Related terms

Eccrine secretion: Eccrine secretion refers to a type of sweat gland secretion that releases a clear, watery fluid directly onto the skin surface, primarily for thermoregulation.

Sebaceous glands: Sebaceous glands are oil-producing glands in the skin that secrete sebum, a mixture of fats and cellular debris, which helps to lubricate and protect the skin.

Pheromones: Pheromones are chemical signals secreted by animals, including humans, that can affect the behavior or physiology of others of the same species, often related to mating and social communication.