This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Cytology and histology

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

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.

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.