sweat gland

noun

: a simple tubular gland of the skin that excretes perspiration, is widely distributed in nearly all parts of the human skin, and consists typically of an epithelial tube extending spirally from a minute pore on the surface of the skin into the dermis or subcutaneous tissues where it ends in a convoluted tuft

Examples of sweat gland in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The calories the sweat glands burn just to make sweat are minimal. —Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 12 July 2024

The drug blocks the action of acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter responsible for stimulating sweat glands. —Don Rauf, EverydayHealth.com, 3 July 2024

In people with sensitive skin, antiperspirants can cause irritant dermatitis: inflammation and itchiness at the area where the sweat glands are blocked. —Sara Novak, Scientific American, 10 June 2024

Whole-body antiperspirants, on the other hand, contain aluminum compounds designed to block sweat glands. —Sara Novak, Scientific American, 10 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

sweat gland

noun

: a gland of the skin that gives off perspiration and opens by a tiny pore in the skin

Medical Definition

sweat gland

noun

: a simple tubular gland of the skin that secretes perspiration, in humans is widely distributed in nearly all parts of the skin, and consists typically of an epithelial tube extending spirally from a minute pore on the surface of the skin into the dermis or subcutaneous tissues where it ends in a convoluted tuft

called also sudoriferous gland, sudoriparous gland