Sebaceous gland (magnified skin block)

Glandula sebacea

Integumentary (skin)SkinLeg

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What it is
A cluster of grape-like alveoli beside the upper follicle that empties into the follicle canal by holocrine secretion (whole cells burst to release their contents).
Function
Secretes sebum, an oily mix of triglycerides, wax esters and squalene that waterproofs and softens skin and hair.
Size
~0.2–2 mm; largest on the face, scalp and upper trunk
Clinical note
Acne develops when a sebaceous follicle is plugged by sebum and keratin and colonised by Cutibacterium acnes.

Nearby integumentary (skin) structures Arrector pili muscle (magnified skin block), Dermal capillaries (magnified skin block), Dermis (magnified skin block), Eccrine sweat gland (magnified skin block), Epidermis (magnified skin block), Hair follicle (magnified skin block), Hair shaft (magnified skin block), Hypodermis (magnified skin block), Leg skin, Sensory nerve endings (magnified skin block)