What is the main role of eccrine glands?

Eccrine glands primarily function to secrete sweat, which plays a crucial role in the regulation of body temperature. When the body heats up, whether due to physical exertion or environmental factors, eccrine glands produce sweat that is primarily composed of water and electrolytes. As this sweat evaporates from the skin surface, it helps to cool the body down, thereby maintaining a stable internal temperature. This thermoregulatory process is essential for homeostasis and efficient body functioning.

While other glands in the skin, such as apocrine glands, are associated with body odor and certain hormones, and sebaceous glands produce oils to lubricate the skin, eccrine glands specifically focus on sweat production directly related to heat regulation. They are distributed widely across the body, particularly on the palms, soles of the feet, and forehead, where temperature control is especially important.