sebum

(noun)

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

Related Terms

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.

  • 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 .

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Structure of the Skin: Dermis

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