Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 31, 2026

Quantitative Autonomic Testing
Published on: July 19, 2011
Is palmar and plantar sweating thermoregulatory?
1Department of Basic Sciences, School of Health Science, University of Crete, Greece.
Abstract:
We tested the hypothesis that palmar and plantar sweating has a thermoregulatory role and is mediated by the same thermoregulatory mechanisms that control sweating in the rest of the body surface. In a series of empirical tests involving 34 participants (five of whom exhibited palmar hyperhydrosis), the effect of high environmental temperature on sweating was examined. Wilcott's finding, that effects at the palm are of considerable magnitude, was confirmed only in subjects who were in a state of excitement. In relaxed subjects, the effects of high environmental temperature on palmar and plantar sweating was negligible. We conclude that the palms and soles do not directly participate in thermoregulation.
Related Concept Videos
Thermosensation
Body Temperature
Mechanism of heat transfer
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Sweat Glands
Sweat glands are classified as merocrine glands; that is, the secretions are excreted by exocytosis through a duct without affecting the cells of the gland. There...
Body Temperature
The average body temperature is approximately 37°C (98.6°F) and typically ranges from 36.1–37.2°C (97–99°F), remaining relatively stable...
Thermoregulation

