Sebaceous gland

The sebaceous glands are glands found in the skin of mammals. They secrete an oily substance called sebum (Latin, meaning fat or tallow) that is made of fat (lipids) and the debris of dead fat-producing cells. These glands extend througout the skin except in the palms and soles. Sebum acts to protect and waterproof hair and skin, and keep them from becoming dry, brittle, and cracked. Sebaceous glands can usually be found in hair covered areas where they are contained in hair follicles, but they are also found in nonhaired areas of lips, eyelids, penis, labia minora and nipples. Sebaceous glands that are found in hair follicles deposit sebum on the hairs, and bring it to the skin surface along the hair shaft. At the hairless areas, sebum gets to the surface through ducts.

Related Topics:
Gland - Skin - Mammal - Latin - Fat - Tallow - Lipid - Hair - Hair follicle - Lip - Eyelid - Penis - Labia minora - Nipple

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The sebaceous glands of a fetus in utero secrete a substance called Vernix caseosa, a "waxy" or "cheesy" white substance found coating the skin of newborn humans.

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Sebaceous glands can be involved in skin problems (typically acne and keratosis pilaris), which are studied and treated by dermatologists.

Related Topics:
Acne - Keratosis pilaris - Dermatologists

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A blocked sebaceous gland can result in a sebaceous cyst.

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