What are the sweat glands in the skin called?

The sweat glands in the skin are referred to as sudoriferous glands. These specialized glands play a crucial role in thermoregulation and maintaining the body's homeostasis by producing sweat, which helps cool the body through the process of evaporation. Sudoriferous glands are primarily classified into two types: eccrine and apocrine glands.

Eccrine glands are widely distributed across the body and are primarily responsible for regulating body temperature through perspiration. They secrete a clear, odorless fluid that is primarily composed of water and salts.

Apocrine glands, on the other hand, are located in specific areas such as the armpits and groin and produce a thicker, milky secretion that can lead to body odor when it decomposes by bacteria on the skin surface.

Sebaceous glands, distinct from sweat glands, are responsible for producing sebum, an oily substance that lubricates and waterproofs the skin and hair. This differentiation highlights the specific function and classification of sudoriferous glands in the context of skin anatomy and physiology. Therefore, sudoriferous glands are the correct terminology for sweat glands.