Apocrine sweat glands are specialized sweat glands found mainly in areas like the armpits and groin. They are larger than eccrine sweat glands and produce a thicker, milky secretion that is rich in proteins and lipids. These glands become active during puberty and are associated with body odor, as the sweat they produce is broken down by bacteria on the skin. Unlike eccrine sweat glands, which help regulate body temperature through water-based sweat, apocrine glands are primarily activated by emotional stress or hormonal changes. Their secretions are not directly involved in cooling the body but can signal emotional states and contribute to pheromone release.