VTCT Level 3 Award in Anatomical and Physiological Knowledge Practice Test

Sweat glands primarily excrete salts and toxins as a significant part of their function. Sweat is composed predominantly of water, but it also contains electrolytes, primarily sodium chloride (salt), along with other trace elements and metabolic waste products such as urea. This process helps regulate body temperature through evaporative cooling and also assists in maintaining electrolyte balance.

When the body becomes hot, sweat glands produce sweat to cool the skin surface through evaporation. The excretion of salts in sweat is a natural part of the body's thermoregulation and waste elimination processes. Additionally, the presence of certain toxins in sweat can reflect the body’s way of getting rid of substances that are no longer needed.

In contrast, antibodies, hormones, and glucose are not primarily excreted through sweat. Antibodies are part of the immune response and are primarily found in blood and lymphatic fluid. Hormones are secreted by glands into the bloodstream to regulate various physiological processes and are not excreted through sweat glands. Glucose, while essential for energy, is regulated by the body's metabolic processes and is not a typical component of sweat excretion under normal circumstances.