apocrine vs. eccrine

apocrine vs. eccrine: What's the difference?

Apocrine and eccrine are both types of sweat glands. Eccrine glands are found all over the body and secrete a thin, watery sweat that cools the skin. Apocrine glands are found in the armpits and perineal areas, and are attached to hair follicles. The latter secrete a thicker sweat, which is acted on by bacteria to produce the all-too-familiar “sweat smell."

apocrine

[ ap-uh-krin, -krahyn, -kreen ]

adjective

of or relating to certain glands whose secretions are acted upon by bacteria to produce the characteristic odor of perspiration (distinguished from eccrine).
of or relating to such secretions: apocrine sweat.

eccrine

[ ek-rin, -rahyn, -reen ]

adjective

of or relating to certain sweat glands, distributed over the entire body, that secrete a type of sweat important for regulating body heat (distinguished from apocrine).
of or relating to secretions of these glands: eccrine sweat.
exocrine.