Question

Primary function of sweat glands is

• A. Thermoregulation
• B. Excretion
• C. Osmoregulation
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is A Thermoregulation

Sweat glands are coiled and tubular in structure. Coiled part of this gland is called as secretory unit. Around secretory unit, myoepithelial cells are present. When they contract sweat comes out from sweat gland. This secretion is called as sweat.

In sweat more than 99% is water and in rest part urea, uric acid ammonium chloride and sodium chloride salts are present. In sweat lysozyme is also present, which destroys bacteria.

Smell in sweat is due to presence of fatty substances. Evaporation of sweat requires a lot of heat. Thus, evaporation of sweat brings down the temperature. This is an important thermo-regulatory adaptation in terrestrial vertebrates.