Utah Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Where are apocrine glands primarily located?

1. In hair follicles

2. In the epidermis

3. In sebaceous glands

4. In the dermis only

The correct answer is: In hair follicles

Apocrine glands are primarily located in areas associated with hair follicles, such as the axillary (underarm) and genital regions. These specialized sweat glands secrete a thicker, milky fluid that becomes active at puberty and is influenced by hormonal changes. The secretion occurs into the hair follicles, which is why their location in relation to these follicles is significant. In contrast, sebaceous glands, which are associated with hair follicles but serve a different function by producing oil (sebum), are not the same as apocrine glands. The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin and does not contain these types of glands. While the dermis does house various glands, apocrine glands are specifically linked to hair follicles rather than being isolated in the dermis. Understanding the anatomical relationship of apocrine glands with hair follicles clarifies where they function in relation to other skin structures.