Eccrine glands develop from downward growths of basal keratinocytes which twist and aggregate into a glomerulus-like structure at the dermal subcutaneous boundary. Lumen formation occurs as the keratinocytes differentiate. In contrast to pilosebaceous unit development, which proceeds in a cephalocaudal direction, eccrine gland formation occurs first on the palms and soles, then the axillae, and lastly, the general body surface.
To study the eccrine gland over time click on one of the buttons below:
Week 16
Week 20
Week 22
Weeks 24-28
Weeks 28-32
Week 36
Postpartum