What are the glands that produce sebum, an oily substance that lubricates the skin or scalp?

The glands responsible for producing sebum, which is an oily substance that helps to lubricate the skin and scalp, are known as sebaceous glands. These glands are located within the dermis, often associated with hair follicles, and their primary function is to secrete sebum, which plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and moisture of the skin.

Sebum helps to protect the skin and hair from becoming too dry and brittle, contributing to a healthy appearance. Proper functioning of sebaceous glands is essential for skin integrity, as they play a part in barrier protection and can influence conditions such as acne when overactive.

While other glands serve essential functions in the body—like salivary glands producing saliva, sweat glands regulating body temperature and providing moisture, and endocrine glands releasing hormones into the bloodstream—they do not produce sebum. This distinction is critical in understanding skin health and the different roles that various glands play in the body.