sebum

(noun)

a thick oily substance, secreted by the sebaceous glands of the skin, that consists of fat, keratin and cellular debris

Related Terms

  • diphyodont
  • integument
  • vibrissa
  • sinoatrial node

Examples of sebum in the following topics:

  • Sebaceous (Oil) Glands

    • Sebum is the cause of some people experiencing "oily" hair if it is not washed for several days.
    • In the eyelids, meibomian sebaceous glands secrete a special type of sebum into tears.
    • Seborrhoea is the name for the condition of greasy skin caused by excess sebum.
    • Sebum is odorless, but its bacterial breakdown can produce odors.
    • Earwax is partly composed of sebum.
  • Excretion and Absorption

    • The sebaceous glands are microscopic glands in the skin that secrete an oily/waxy matter, called sebum, to lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair of mammals.
    • In the eyelids, meibomian sebaceous glands secrete a special type of sebum into tears.
    • The glands deposit sebum on the hairs, and bring it to the skin surface along the hair shaft.
    • Here, the sebum traverses ducts that terminate in sweat pores on the surface of the skin.
    • They secrete a form of sebum (called meibum) onto the eye, slowing the evaporation of tears.
  • Acne

    • Enlargement of sebaceous glands and an increase in sebum production occur with increased androgen production during puberty and directly before menstruation.
    • Sebaceous glands become clogged with sebum, a naturally-occurring skin oil, and dead skin cells .
  • Glandular Epithelia

    • The sebaceous glands are microscopic glands in the skin that secrete an oily/waxy matter, called sebum, to lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair of mammals.
  • Characteristics of Mammals

    • Sebaceous glands produce a lipid mixture called sebum that is secreted onto the hair and skin for water resistance and lubrication.
  • Structure of the Skin: Dermis

    • The sebaceous glands found in the dermis secret a substance called sebum that helps to lubricate and protect our skin, such as from drying out.
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