What gland's secretion, along with bacteria, is primarily responsible for body odor?

The apocrine glands are primarily responsible for the secretion that contributes to body odor, particularly in areas such as the armpits and groin. These glands become active during puberty and secrete a milky fluid that, when broken down by skin bacteria, produces the characteristic odor associated with sweat. Unlike merocrine glands, which primarily produce a watery form of sweat for thermoregulation, apocrine secretions are thicker and contain proteins and lipids that serve as a food source for bacteria on the skin. This process of bacterial decomposition leads to body odor.

Endocrine glands, on the other hand, release hormones directly into the bloodstream and do not contribute to body odor. Sebaceous glands secrete sebum, an oily substance that helps to lubricate the skin and hair but does not directly cause body odor. Therefore, the role of apocrine glands in secretion and their interaction with skin bacteria is crucial for understanding body odor production.