Wisconsin Esthetics State Board Practice Test

Which type of glands secretes odorless substances and is triggered by emotions?

1. Eccrine

2. Apocrine

3. Sebaceous

4. Endocrine

The correct answer is: Apocrine

The correct choice is the apocrine glands, which are specifically designed to secrete odorless substances that become odorous when they come into contact with the bacteria on the skin's surface. These glands are primarily located in areas like the armpits and groin and are activated by emotional stress, hormonal changes, and other factors related to the body's emotional state. This distinct function differentiates apocrine glands from eccrine glands, which are responsible for regulating body temperature through sweat primarily composed of water and salt and that do not become odorous. Sebaceous glands, known for secreting sebum (oil), play a key role in lubricating the skin and hair but are not involved in emotional responses. Endocrine glands are responsible for releasing hormones into the bloodstream, which affect various bodily functions but do not directly correlate with the secretion of substances triggered by emotions. Thus, apocrine glands are uniquely linked to emotional triggers and the resulting odor when their secretions are altered by bacterial interaction.