Utah Esthetics Written State Practice Exam

Which gland is primarily responsible for regulating body temperature?

1. Sebaceous gland

2. Eccrine gland

3. Apocrine gland

4. Hypothalamus

The correct answer is: Eccrine gland

The eccrine gland plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature through the process of sweating. These glands are located all over the body, particularly on the palms, soles, and forehead. When the body's temperature rises due to factors such as heat or physical exertion, the eccrine glands produce sweat, which is primarily composed of water and salt. As this sweat evaporates from the skin surface, it helps cool the body, maintaining a consistent internal temperature. While sebaceous glands secrete sebum to lubricate the skin, and apocrine glands, found in specific areas like the armpits, produce a different type of sweat that is associated with body odor, they are not primarily responsible for temperature regulation. The hypothalamus does play a central role in thermoregulation by controlling various physiological responses, including the activity of sweat glands, but the eccrine glands are directly responsible for the cooling effect via sweat production.