Why does a mouse sweat? - briefly
Mice regulate body temperature mainly by panting and evaporative cooling from their foot pads, since functional sweat glands are absent. Consequently, visible sweating is not a typical physiological response in these rodents.
Why does a mouse sweat? - in detail
Mice possess a small number of eccrine sweat glands, primarily located on the plantar surfaces of their feet. These glands secrete a thin fluid that evaporates, removing heat from the body. The limited distribution of glands means that sweating contributes only modestly to overall thermoregulation.
Thermoregulatory function relies on several mechanisms:
- Evaporation from foot pads reduces skin temperature.
- Vasodilation of peripheral blood vessels increases heat loss through the skin.
- Rapid respiration (panting) enhances evaporative cooling in the respiratory tract.
- Behavioral adjustments, such as seeking cooler microhabitats, lower ambient temperature exposure.
Physiological studies show that when ambient temperature rises above the mouse’s thermoneutral zone (approximately 30 °C), sweat secretion from foot pads increases proportionally. The fluid composition is similar to that of other mammals, containing water, electrolytes, and small amounts of protein, facilitating efficient heat dissipation.
Despite the presence of sweat glands, mice rely more heavily on panting and behavioral strategies because the surface area of foot pads is insufficient for extensive cooling. Experimental data indicate that mice with impaired sudomotor function exhibit higher core temperatures and reduced tolerance to heat stress, confirming the contributory role of sweating in maintaining thermal homeostasis.