Question 18

Eccrine glands produce a thin, watery secretion.

Eccrine glands are responsible for producing a thin, watery secretion known as sweat, which plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature and maintaining homeostasis.

A) Sebaceous glands

Sebaceous glands are not responsible for producing a watery secretion; instead, they secrete sebum, an oily substance that helps to lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair. Their function is distinct from that of eccrine glands, which focus on sweat production.

B) Eccrine glands

Eccrine glands are specialized sweat glands that produce a clear, watery secretion that helps cool the body through evaporation. This secretion is primarily composed of water and salts, making eccrine glands the correct answer to the question.

C) Apocrine glands

Apocrine glands produce a thicker, milky secretion that is typically associated with body odor and is activated during stress or sexual excitement. This type of secretion differs significantly from the thin, watery secretion produced by eccrine glands.

D) Endocrine glands

Endocrine glands are not involved in producing skin secretions; rather, they secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate various physiological processes in the body. Their function is unrelated to the secretion characteristics of eccrine or apocrine glands.

Conclusion

Eccrine glands are clearly identified as the glands producing a thin, watery secretion, which is essential for thermoregulation. The other options, including sebaceous and apocrine glands, produce different types of secretions that do not match the characteristics described in the question. Thus, option B is definitively correct.