concept

Sebaceous gland

Sebaceous glands are holocrine glands found over the entire surface of the body except the palms, soles and dorsum of the feet. They are largest and most concentrated in the face and scalp where they are the sites of origin of acne (Fig. 1). The normal function of sebaceous glands is to produce and secrete sebum, a group of complex oils including triglycerides and fatty acid breakdown products, wax esters, squalene, cholesterol esters and cholesterol.1–4 Sebum lubricates the skin to protect against friction and makes it more impervious to moisture. Furthermore, the sebaceous gland transports antioxidants in and on the skin and exhibits a natural light protective activity. It possesses an innate antibacterial activity and has a pro- and anti-inflammatory function. It can regulate the activity of xenobiotics and is actively involved in the wound healing process.

Ref:
Makrantonaki E, Ganceviciene R, Zouboulis C. An update on the role of the sebaceous gland in the pathogenesis of acne. Dermatoendocrinol. 2011 Jan;3(1):41-9. doi: 10.4161/derm.3.1.13900. PMID: 21519409; PMCID: PMC3051853.

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Added on Aug 14, 2023 by Barbara Van De Keer

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