Wisconsin Esthetics State Board Practice Test

Apocrine glands are most commonly found under which areas of the body?

1. Feet and hands

2. Under arms and genitals

3. Face and scalp

4. Chest and abdomen

The correct answer is: Under arms and genitals

Apocrine glands are a specific type of sweat gland that are most concentrated in areas of the body that have hair follicles, such as the underarms and genital regions. These glands are responsible for producing a thicker, milkier type of sweat that is associated with body odor, particularly when it comes into contact with bacteria on the skin. The reason why the areas mentioned in the correct answer are characterized by the presence of apocrine glands is linked to their function and the fact that they are stimulated by emotional factors rather than just temperature. This makes areas like the underarms and genitals prime locations for these glands. Other choices, such as feet and hands, face and scalp, or chest and abdomen, do not have the same concentration or types of apocrine glands, nor do they typically produce sweat of the same nature or purpose as found in the underarms and genital regions.