What are the functions of oil glands?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the various functions that oil glands in the body perform, which typically include lubrication of the skin, protection against pathogens, and preventing water loss.
Answer
Produce and secrete sebum to lubricate, protect, and waterproof skin and hair.
The primary functions of oil (sebaceous) glands are to produce and secrete sebum, which lubricates the skin and hair, provides a barrier against moisture, and protects against friction and harmful pathogens.
Answer for screen readers
The primary functions of oil (sebaceous) glands are to produce and secrete sebum, which lubricates the skin and hair, provides a barrier against moisture, and protects against friction and harmful pathogens.
More Information
Sebum produced by sebaceous glands consists of a mixture of lipids, including triglycerides, fatty acids, wax esters, squalene, cholesterol, and its esters. It plays a crucial role in maintaining skin hydration and protecting against environmental damage.
Sources
- Sebaceous Glands: Function, Location & Secretion - Cleveland Clinic - my.clevelandclinic.org
- Physiology, Sebaceous Glands - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Oil gland | Sebaceous Glands, Skin Function & Acne - Britannica - britannica.com
