SEBACEOUS FOLLICLE Meaning and
Definition
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A sebaceous follicle is a microscopic sac-like structure found within the skin that is responsible for producing and secreting sebum, an oily substance that is essential for lubricating and protecting the hair and skin.
The structure of a sebaceous follicle consists of a hair follicle, which is a tube-shaped depression in the skin that extends from the surface down into the deeper layers. At the base of the follicle is the sebaceous gland, a small glandular structure that produces the sebum.
Sebum, the main product of the sebaceous glands, is composed of various lipids, such as fats, cholesterol, and waxes, as well as dead skin cells. It is an oily substance that helps to moisturize the hair and skin, preventing them from becoming dry and brittle. Sebum also acts as a protective barrier against bacteria, fungi, and other harmful substances, helping to maintain the health of the skin.
The secretion of sebum is regulated by hormones, with androgen hormones, such as testosterone, playing a significant role. Imbalances in hormone levels can lead to changes in sebum production, resulting in skin conditions like acne.
Overall, sebaceous follicles are vital structures in the skin, responsible for the production and secretion of sebum, which is essential for maintaining healthy hair and skin.
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• Glandula sebacea, one of the sebaceous glands of the skin opening into the hair-follicles.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SEBACEOUS FOLLICLE
- aebaceous follicle
- zebaceous follicle
- xebaceous follicle
- debaceous follicle
- eebaceous follicle
- webaceous follicle
- swbaceous follicle
- ssbaceous follicle
- sdbaceous follicle
- srbaceous follicle
- s4baceous follicle
- s3baceous follicle
- sevaceous follicle
- senaceous follicle
- sehaceous follicle
- segaceous follicle
- sebzceous follicle
- sebsceous follicle
- sebwceous follicle
Etymology of SEBACEOUS FOLLICLE
The word "sebaceous" is derived from the Latin word "sebum", which means "tallow" or "grease". This is because sebaceous glands are responsible for producing sebum, an oily substance that lubricates and waterproofs the skin and hair.
The term "follicle" comes from the Latin word "folliculus", which means "small bag" or "sack". It refers to a small cavity or sac-like structure. In the context of the skin, a follicle refers to a small pore or sac-like structure that houses a hair.
Thus, when combined, "sebaceous follicle" describes a small sac-like structure or pore in the skin that contains a hair and is responsible for producing and secreting sebum.
Similar spelling word for SEBACEOUS FOLLICLE
