Which glands enlarge and function in adolescence in the underarm region?

• A. Apocrine
• B. Eccrine
• C. Sebaceous
• D. Ceruminous

Answer: (A)

In adolescence, hormonal changes—especially androgens—trigger the axillary area to activate the apocrine sweat glands. These glands are located in hair-bearing regions like the armpits and begin functioning after puberty, secreting a thicker fluid into hair follicles. When skin bacteria act on this fluid, body odor can develop. Eccrine glands, though numerous and important for cooling, are active from early life and produce clear watery sweat directly on the skin, not specifically tied to puberty in the underarms. Sebaceous glands respond to hormones by increasing oil production in hair follicles but are not sweat glands. Ceruminous glands are in the ear canal. So the glands that enlarge and start functioning in adolescence in the underarm region are the apocrine glands.