IGCSE Biology glossary
Sweating
Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.
Definition
The secretion of sweat (a dilute salt solution) onto the skin surface by sweat glands in response to high body temperature. As sweat evaporates from the skin, it absorbs heat energy (latent heat of vaporisation), cooling the body down.
What to include in an exam answer
State that sweat cools the body by evaporation, not just by being on the skin. The heat energy is transferred from the skin to evaporate the water. This is why sweating is less effective in humid conditions (less evaporation).
Example in context
Explain how sweating helps to cool the body (2 marks): Sweat is secreted onto the skin surface. As the water in sweat evaporates, it absorbs heat energy from the skin (latent heat of vaporisation), reducing the body's temperature.
Related syllabus topic
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