The substance secreted by sebaceous glands is called what?

• A. Sebum
• B. Sweat
• C. Lymph
• D. Plasma

Answer: (A)

Sebaceous glands produce an oily substance called sebum. This secretion coats and protects the skin and hair, helping to keep them supple and forming a protective barrier on the surface. It’s released through holocrine secretion, where entire cells disintegrate to release their contents, giving sebum its oily quality.

In a salon or spa context, understanding sebum helps explain why some clients have oily skin or are prone to acne—sebaceous glands can produce excess oil, which can mix with dead skin cells and clog pores. The other substances listed aren’t produced by these glands: sweat is produced by sweat glands to regulate temperature, while lymph and plasma are components of the lymphatic and blood systems, not secretions of the sebaceous glands.