Chapter 2. Prehension

Chapter 6 - During Contact 215
Figure 6.3 Beads of sweat gathered at the orifices of the sweat
ducts centred on the epidermal ridges of the palm (from Montagna
& Parakkal, 1974; reprinted by permission)
and soles have by far the largest number of eccrine sweat glands per
body surface area, compared to other body parts. Thermal sweating is
characterized by a given regional response. For example, at 39-40
degrees C. and 90% humidity, responses are from (1) first, the
forehead, neck, anterior and posterior aspects of the trunk, dorsa of
hands and adjoining parts of forearm; (2) less from cheeks, lateral
aspects of trunk and greater parts of extremities; (3) little sweating on
medial aspects of thighs, less in axillae, and; (4) least on palms and
soles. Notably, the palms and soles, responding late and weakly to
heat stimuli respond most strongly to mental and sensory stimuli
(Ikeuchi & Kuno, 1927, cited in Rothman, 1954).
The eccrine glands of humans provide visible sweating at a critical
temperature and humidity, e.g., 31 - 32 degrees C. and 90%
humidity. Indeed their primary identified function has been