Washington Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

When are eccrine glands more active?

1. During sleep

2. During physical activity

3. During cold weather

4. During stress

The correct answer is: During physical activity

Eccrine glands are specialized sweat glands found throughout the body, particularly on the palms, soles, and forehead. They play a crucial role in thermoregulation, which is the process the body uses to maintain its core temperature. These glands produce a watery sweat that helps cool the body down when it becomes overheated, primarily during physical activity or in response to elevated temperatures. When engaged in physical activity, the body generates heat, and eccrine glands become more active to cool down through the evaporation of sweat. This is essential for maintaining optimal body temperature and preventing overheating during exercise or strenuous tasks. In contrast, during sleep, eccrine gland activity is minimal because the body temperature drops and physical movement decreases. In cold weather, the body typically retains heat, reducing the need for sweat production. Similarly, while stress can stimulate sweat production, it primarily activates the apocrine glands, which are associated with emotional responses, and not directly related to temperature regulation as eccrine glands. The primary function of eccrine glands is closely associated with the need for thermal regulation rather than stress-induced sweating.