What type of gland is primarily associated with coarse hair in the armpits and pubic area?

The apocrine gland is primarily associated with coarse hair in the armpits and pubic area. These glands are a specialized type of sweat gland that become active during puberty and are mainly found in areas with dense hair follicles. Unlike eccrine glands, which are distributed throughout the body and produce a watery sweat primarily for thermoregulation, apocrine glands secrete a thicker, milky substance that is rich in proteins and lipids.

This secretion can be broken down by bacteria on the skin, leading to body odor, which is particularly noticeable in regions where coarse hair is prevalent due to the retention of moisture and warmth. Additionally, the secretion from apocrine glands is stimulated by emotional factors such as stress or excitement, while eccrine glands respond primarily to thermal stimuli.

In contrast, mammary glands are specialized for milk production, and sebaceous glands are associated with producing oil to keep the skin and hair moisturized. Thus, the association of apocrine glands with coarse hair and their specific location in the body clearly identifies them as the correct answer for this question.