Why do we have apocrine and sebaceous glands?

J R Soc Med. 2001 May;94(5):236-7. doi: 10.1177/014107680109400509.

Abstract

The secretions of sebaceous and apocrine glands fulfil an important thermoregulatory role in cold-stressed and heat-stressed hunter-gatherers. In hot conditions the secretions emulsify eccrine sweat and thus encourage the formation of a sweat sheet and discourage the formation and loss of sweat drops from the skin. In colder conditions sebum changes its nature and repels rain from skin and hair.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apocrine Glands / metabolism
  • Apocrine Glands / physiology*
  • Biological Evolution
  • Body Temperature Regulation / physiology
  • Humans
  • Sebaceous Glands / metabolism
  • Sebaceous Glands / physiology*
  • Sebum / metabolism
  • Sebum / physiology
  • Sweat / physiology