Eccrine Sweat Glands

Eccrine sweat glands localize to the dermis and upper region of the hypodermis. The secretory gland is coiled and consists of of secretory, epithelial cells and an outer layer of myoepithelial cells that are contractile. The secretory cells are a mix of light and dark staining cells. The light staining cells produce a watery substance similar in composition to an ultrafiltrate of blood, whereas the dark staining cells secrete glycoprotein. The ducts stain darker and have a double layer of cuboidal cells which reabsorb ions and water. The ducts spiral to the surface of the epidermis to release sweat. What is the function of the myoepithelial cells?