Cytology and histology
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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