Which gland that secretes sebum is associated with hair follicles?

Which gland that secretes sebum is associated with hair follicles?

• A. Sebaceous glands
• B. Sudoriferous glands
• C. Ceruminous glands
• D. Mammary glands

Answer: (A)

Sebaceous glands are the oil-producing glands that sit beside hair follicles and secrete sebum into the follicular canal. They release lipid-rich sebum through holocrine secretion, where whole cells disintegrate to release contents, lubricating and waterproofing hair and skin and helping protect the follicle itself. This close association with hair follicles is what defines them as hair-follicle–associated glands. Other glands listed have different functions: sweat glands (sudoriferous) produce perspiration, ceruminous glands are in the ear canal, and mammary glands produce milk.

Sebaceous glands are the oil-producing glands that sit beside hair follicles and secrete sebum into the follicular canal. They release lipid-rich sebum through holocrine secretion, where whole cells disintegrate to release contents, lubricating and waterproofing hair and skin and helping protect the follicle itself. This close association with hair follicles is what defines them as hair-follicle–associated glands. Other glands listed have different functions: sweat glands (sudoriferous) produce perspiration, ceruminous glands are in the ear canal, and mammary glands produce milk.