Which gland secretion is described as sticky, cloudy, and colorless?

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

Answer: (A)

The secretions from apocrine sweat glands are thick and viscous, often described as milky or cloudy, while being colorless. This thicker, lipid- and protein-rich fluid comes from hair follicles in areas like the armpits and groin, which is why it has a sticky feel and a cloudy appearance. The lack of pigment makes it colorless, and its higher content of substances besides water gives it that distinct, tacky quality. In contrast, eccrine sweat is a clear, watery secretion primarily for cooling the body, so it isn’t sticky or cloudy. Ceruminous gland secretions are waxy earwax, which is sticky and pigmented, and sebaceous glands produce oily sebum that is typically yellowish.