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sebaceous gland

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. | 2011 | Copyright

sebaceous gland , gland in the skin of mammals that secretes an oily substance called sebum. In humans, sebaceous glands are primarily found in association with hair follicles but also occur in hairless areas of the skin, except for the palms of the hand and soles of the feet. Sebum is a mixture of fat and the debris of dead fat-producing cells. These cells are constantly replaced by new growth at the base of the glands. Generally the sebum is deposited on the hairs inside the follicles and is brought up to the surface of the skin along the hair shaft. In hairless areas, the sebum surfaces through ducts. Sebum lubricates and protects the hair and skin and prevents drying and irritation of membranes. Sebum may collect excessively as a result of poor hygiene, a diet rich in fats, or accelerated glandular activity, especially during adolescence. Excessive secretions of sebum may be related to acne , certain forms of baldness , and other skin disorders.

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sebaceous gland

A Dictionary of Nursing | 2008 | Copyright

sebaceous gland n. any of the simple or branched glands in the skin that secrete an oily substance, sebum. They open into hair follicles and their secretion is produced by the disintegration of their cells.

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sebaceous gland

A Dictionary of Zoology | 1999 | | Copyright

sebaceous gland In Mammalia, a skin gland, projecting deep into the dermis and almost always opening into a hair follicle, which secretes a fatty substance which helps to waterproof the hair.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "sebaceous gland." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "sebaceous gland." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-sebaceousgland.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "sebaceous gland." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-sebaceousgland.html

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sebaceous gland

A Dictionary of Biology | 2004 | Copyright

sebaceous gland A small gland occurring in mammalian skin. Its duct opens into a hair follicle, through which it discharges sebum onto the skin surface.

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sebaceous gland

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | Copyright

sebaceous gland Gland in the skin producing the oily substance sebum, which secretes onto the skin and hair, making them water-repellent and supple.

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Free newspaper and magazine articles

	Blame it on your sebaceous glands. (cause of baldness) Magazine article from: Science News; 5/17/1986
	Treatment of sebaceous gland hyperplasia by photodynamic therapy with... Magazine article from: Journal of Drugs in Dermatology; 11/1/2004
	Summer's intense heat and humidity can cause the skin's sebaceous glands to... Magazine article from: Household & Personal Products Industry; 7/1/2007