Sebaceous Gland
Pronunciation: sih-BAY-shus
A holocrine exocrine gland in the dermis that secretes sebum into hair follicles or, in some locations, directly onto the skin surface.
Full Definition
Sebaceous glands are oil-producing structures associated with hair follicles throughout most of the body, with highest density on the face, scalp, and upper trunk. They produce sebum — a complex mixture of lipids — through a holocrine secretion mechanism in which the secretory cells disintegrate to release their contents. In dermatology editorial contexts, 'sebaceous' is a frequently misspelled adjective (common error: 'sebacious' or 'sebaceus'); editors should flag these variants. Sebaceous gland disorders include seborrhoeic dermatitis, acne vulgaris, and rhinophyma. The correct British English adjective is 'sebaceous'; American English shares the same spelling.
Usage
Usage note: Common misspellings to flag: 'sebacious,' 'sebaceus.' Distinguish from eccrine (sweat) and apocrine glands in anatomy sections.
In Context
- "Hyperactivity of the sebaceous gland is a key pathogenic factor in acne vulgaris." — Pathophysiology review article
- "The manuscript contained the misspelling 'sebacious gland' throughout — the editor issued a global correction." — Copy-editing report