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Cytology and histology

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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The eccrine sweat gland is a simple, coiled tubular gland which originates deep in the dermis or superficial hypodermis. The gland can be divided into two regions histologically:

The deep gland part contains three key types of cell:

  • myoepithelial cells:
    • next to basement membrane
    • contain contractile filaments that function to move secretions out of the gland
  • clear cells:
    • containing lots of glycogen granules, mitochondria and smooth endoplasmic reticulum
    • surface demonstrates ample microvilli
    • intercellular canaliculi are interposed between adjacent cells
    • structure hints at role in production and regulation of components of watery sweat
  • dark cells:
    • sited next to lumen of gland
    • contain large amounts of rough endoplasmic reticulum and glycoprotein granules
    • believed to secrete mucopolysaccharides

The superficial portion of the gland contains the duct lined by stratified cuboidal epithelium.

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