Final answer:
Apocrine glands are located in the underarm and genital areas of the body. They produce a type of sweat that contributes to body odor when broken down by bacteria. These glands begin to function during puberty and are involved in the human pheromone response.
Step-by-step explanation:
The coiled structures known as apocrine glands are found in specific areas of the body. These glands are larger than eccrine sweat glands and occur only in certain areas. Apocrine glands are typically associated with hair follicles in densely hairy regions, and they are most commonly located in the underarm and genital areas. The ducts of these glands empty into hair follicles, from where the sweat is then released to the surface. Apocrine glands secrete an oily sweat that, when broken down by bacteria on the skin, can cause body odor.
Apocrine glands start functioning at puberty, and their secretions include not only water and salts but also organic compounds that make the sweat thicker. This type of sweat plays a role in body odor and the human pheromone response. The activity of apocrine sweat glands is regulated by nervous and hormonal control. This is in contrast to drier areas like the arms and legs, which differ in microbial populations and are not typically where apocrine glands are found.