Within the epidermis are what's commonly known as "sweat glands." Within the microcosm of the surface of the skin, our pores express the ultimately complex functions of maintaining fluid levels, managing temperature levels and eliminating toxins. Another type of pore contains the sebaceous gland.

Pores of the Skin Are Used for Waste Elimination

The excretions of fluids, for the purposes of evaporative cooling, originate deep down within the dermis. The dermis is the lower layer of skin below the surface. Pores only appear to be on the surface of the skin while they are actually deep tubes by which bodily fluids are released.

Pores Manage the Amount of Salt and Other Minerals Expelled

Along the surface of the "tube" making up the inner pore are cells called myoepithelial cells, which both expel sweat by contraction and re-absorb minerals for body fluid management. The secretory portion of the duct is made of cells actually larger than the duct itself and are arranged to form the duct in a "cuboidal epithelium."

Sweat Glands Come in Two Sizes

The smaller, more common eccrine sweat gland is found all over the body. The larger apocrine sweat gland is found in the armpit and in the groin regions.

Sebaceous Glands Are a Different Order Altogether

Pores containing sebaceous glands contain hair follicles and shafts. These types of pores are also the source of "sebum." Sebum is the substance which, while normally controlled by hormones, can lead to acne.

Sebaceous Glands Within Pores Also Offer Immunity

The sebum extruded by these types of pores protect the body's internal operations from infection by foreign bodies. Sometimes this layer of immunity protection is referred to as the "acid mantel." This system is one of the body's first lines of defense.

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