The smaller and more numerous of the two major types of sweat gland. They secrete clear, watery sweat in response to stimulation by heat

Sweat glands that are linked to the sympathetic nervous system and are widely distributed over the body surface.

ex + crinis (hair). Sweat glands under sympathetic nervous system control, primarily involved in thermoregulation. As the name suggests, eccrine glands are not associated with hair follicles. Compare apocrine gland.

Eccrine glands are found deep in the dermis. They produce sweat, a weak solution of water, salt and waste products, which is excreted into a coiled duct that opens directly onto the skin surface. They are most dense on palms, soles, armpits and forehead. Excessive sweating is known as hyperhidrosis (illustrated).