Current Attempt in Progress Which of these glands usually is not connected to a hair follicle?
A sebaceous gland
B eccrine sweat gland
C apocrine sweat gland
D None of the choices is correct.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: B. Eccrine sweat gland
Explanation:
Among the glands listed, the eccrine sweat gland is the one that usually is not connected to a hair follicle. This contrasts with sebaceous glands and apocrine sweat glands, which typically open into hair follicles.
Breakdown of Each Gland:
1. Sebaceous Gland (A):
- These glands secrete sebum, an oily substance that helps lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair.
- Sebaceous glands are almost always connected to hair follicles, where they release their secretion directly into the follicular canal.
2. Eccrine Sweat Gland (B):
- Eccrine glands are the most common type of sweat gland and are found all over the body, especially on the palms, soles, and forehead.
- These glands secrete watery sweat directly onto the surface of the skin, not into hair follicles.
- Their main role is thermoregulation through evaporative cooling.
- They operate independently of hair follicles, which is why this is the correct answer.
3. Apocrine Sweat Gland (C):
- Found in areas like the armpits and groin.
- These glands become active during puberty and secrete a thicker, milky sweat into the hair follicle.
- The sweat becomes odorous when broken down by skin bacteria, leading to body odor.
4. None of the choices is correct (D):
- This is incorrect because one gland (eccrine) is clearly not associated with hair follicles, so a correct answer does exist.
Summary:
The eccrine sweat gland is the only one among the listed types that typically does not connect to a hair follicle, making Option B the correct choice.