Which gland does not become active until puberty?
Endocrine Gland
Apocrine Sweat Gland
Eccrine Sweat Gland
Sebaceous Gland
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is the Apocrine Sweat Gland.
Apocrine sweat glands do not become active until puberty. These glands are found primarily in areas such as the armpits, groin, and around the nipples. Unlike eccrine sweat glands, which are active from birth and help regulate body temperature by producing a watery sweat, apocrine glands secrete a thicker, milky fluid that contains proteins, lipids, and steroids. This secretion itself is initially odorless, but when bacteria on the skin break down these compounds, it produces the characteristic body odor associated with puberty.
The activation of apocrine sweat glands is triggered by hormonal changes that occur during puberty, particularly the increase in androgens like testosterone. This explains why body odor becomes more noticeable during adolescence. The apocrine glands are also associated with hair follicles, unlike eccrine glands which open directly onto the skin surface.
In contrast, eccrine sweat glands are active from infancy and function primarily for thermoregulation by releasing sweat that cools the body through evaporation. Sebaceous glands are also active before puberty, producing sebum, an oily substance that lubricates and waterproofs the skin and hair. Sebaceous gland activity may increase during puberty under hormonal influence, contributing to acne, but they do not remain inactive until puberty.
The endocrine glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, or adrenal glands, begin functioning before puberty and regulate various body processes through hormone secretion. While some endocrine glands change activity during puberty, they are not entirely inactive until that time.
In summary, apocrine sweat glands are unique in that their secretory activity begins at puberty due to hormonal changes. This delayed activation distinguishes them from other glands like eccrine and sebaceous glands, which are active earlier in life.