sebaceous gland

views updated May 21 2018

sebaceous gland In Mammalia, a skin gland, projecting deep into the dermis and almost always opening into a hair follicle, which secretes a fatty substance which helps to waterproof the hair.

A Dictionary of Zoology MICHAEL ALLABY

sebaceous gland

views updated May 09 2018

sebaceous gland A small gland occurring in mammalian skin. Its duct opens into a hair follicle, through which it discharges sebum onto the skin surface.

A Dictionary of Biology

sebaceous gland

views updated Jun 11 2018

sebaceous gland n. any of the simple or branched glands in the skin that secrete an oily substance, sebum. They open into hair follicles and their secretion is produced by the disintegration of their cells.

A Dictionary of Nursing

sebaceous gland

views updated May 18 2018

sebaceous gland Gland in the skin producing the oily substance sebum, which secretes onto the skin and hair, making them water-repellent and supple.

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