Eccrine glands are a type of sweat gland found throughout the human body, primarily in the palms, soles, and forehead. They play a crucial role in regulating body temperature by producing a watery sweat that evaporates from the skin's surface, helping to cool the body down. Unlike apocrine glands, which are concentrated in specific areas like the armpits and groin, eccrine glands are distributed more widely. They are active from birth and continue to function throughout a person's life, contributing to the body's ability to maintain homeostasis and respond to heat and stress.