The sebaceous gland is an organ located in the dermis. Its role is to synthesise and secrete sebum which is a component of the hydrolipidic film. The purpose of sebum is to protect the skin from external aggression and dehydration. Sebum also maintains the suppleness of the skin and hair. Sebaceous glands are unilobular or multilobular structures that consist of acini connected to a common excretory duct, which is composed of stratified squamous epithelium. Sebaceous glands are composed of lipid-producing sebocytes and of keratinocytes that line the sebaceous ducts and are usually associated with a hair follicle. The periphery of the sebaceous gland is a basal cell layer composed of small, cuboidal, nucleated, highly mitotic sebocytes. Cells progress toward the middle of the ... Learn about sebaceous glands, the microscopic organs that produce and secrete sebum, an oily substance that protects your skin. Find out how sebaceous glands can be affected by various conditions and disorders, and how to keep them healthy. The sebaceous gland is special in at least 2 ways. Firstly, the product of this gland is synthesized via holocrine secretion, a unique method characterized by the purposeful self-destruction of its primary cellular unit, the sebocyte.
