Other terms
- Sebaceous Hyperplasia
- Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Sequencing
- Short Bowel Syndrome
- Skin Cancer
- Skin Grafting
- Skin Lesion
- Skin Tag
- Source Data Verification (SDV)
- Source Document
- Spider Veins
- Spinal Cord Hemorrhage
Sebaceous Gland
What is a Sebaceous Gland? Sebaceous glands are microscopic organs located in the dermis, the second layer of the skin. They are responsible for secreting sebum, an oily substance that coats the skin and provides a protective barrier against environmental factors such as moisture loss and microbial infections. Sebaceous glands are distributed throughout the body, except for the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. They are most concentrated on the face and scalp.
Types of Sebaceous Glands
Sebaceous glands are broadly categorized into two types based on their association with hair follicles:
- Attached to Hair Follicles: Most sebaceous glands have ducts that open into hair follicles.
- Not Attached to Hair Follicles: Found on the penis, labia, lips, or inside of the nose. Some also work in tandem with sweat glands and open directly onto the skin’s surface.
Both types serve the same essential function: the production and secretion of sebum.
Function of Sebaceous Glands
Sebaceous glands are essential for skin health and perform several key functions:
- Protection Against Friction: The sebum acts as a lubricant, reducing skin damage from friction.
- Moisture Retention: Sebum prevents the skin and hair from becoming dry and brittle.
- Antimicrobial Barrier: The lipid composition of sebum, which includes cholesterol, fatty acids, glycerides, squalene, and wax, provides a defense against bacterial and fungal infections.
- Sebum also contributes to body odor, containing components that skin microbes can break down.
Source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24538-sebaceous-glands
