Which sweat gland is monitored when measuring skin conductance?

The sweat gland that is monitored when measuring skin conductance is the eccrine glands. Eccrine glands are the most common type of sweat glands found in the human body, primarily located on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and forehead. They play a crucial role in thermoregulation and are stimulated by sympathetic nervous activity, which is why their function is closely linked to emotional and physiological responses, making them particularly relevant when assessing skin conductance levels.

When skin conductance is measured, it reflects the amount of sweat produced by the eccrine glands. As these glands secrete sweat in response to stress, anxiety, or an increase in body temperature, the skin's conductivity changes. This physiological response makes eccrine glands integral in biofeedback assessments and psychophysiological studies, allowing for a better understanding of a person's emotional or stress levels.

In contrast, apocrine glands, which are concentrated in areas such as the armpits and groin, primarily respond to emotional stimuli and contribute less to general skin conductance measurements. Sebaceous glands, on the other hand, are associated with oil production and do not directly relate to sweat production. Merocrine glands is a term often used interchangeably with eccrine glands,