What is the primary function of sebaceous glands?

Sebaceous glands primarily function to secrete sebum, an oily substance that helps to moisturize and protect the skin and hair. Sebum plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin's barrier function, preventing excessive water loss, and providing antimicrobial properties that can help protect against bacteria and fungi. This oily secretion also contributes to the overall health of the hair by keeping it lubricated and preventing dryness or brittleness.

While cooling the skin is typically managed by sweat glands, the production of hormones is largely controlled by various endocrine glands, and sensory perception is facilitated by specialized nerve endings in the skin. Therefore, these functions, while essential in their own right, do not pertain to the primary role of sebaceous glands. Understanding the function of these glands is important for recognizing how skin health is maintained and the implications of conditions such as acne, which involve sebaceous gland activity.