Oregon Esthetician State Board

What type of glands are responsible for excreting perspiration?

1. Sebaceous glands

2. Endocrine glands

3. Sudoriferous glands

4. Exocrine glands

The correct answer is: Sudoriferous glands

Sudoriferous glands, also known as sweat glands, play a crucial role in the body's thermoregulation and excretion processes. These glands are specifically designed to produce and excrete perspiration. When the body temperature rises, these glands secrete sweat onto the surface of the skin, which then evaporates to cool the body down. Additionally, sweat contains water, salts, and other waste products, making these glands essential for both regulating temperature and assisting in the elimination of certain toxins and waste materials from the body. This function highlights the significance of sudoriferous glands in maintaining homeostasis and skin health. In contrast, sebaceous glands produce sebum, which is an oily substance that helps to lubricate and protect the skin and hair; endocrine glands release hormones directly into the bloodstream; and exocrine glands, which includes sudoriferous glands, secrete substances externally through ducts, but specifically identifying sudoriferous glands clarifies the type of exocrine glands responsible for sweat production.