Article
Article
Sebaceous gland
Article By:
Nelsen, Olin E. Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Last reviewed:June 2020
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.611400
A gland which produces and liberates sebum, a mixture composed of fat, cellular debris, and keratin. When the gland arises in association with a hair follicle, it forms a thickened outpushing from the side of the developing follicle near the epidermis. Central cells in these sebaceous glands form oil droplets within the cytoplasm. These cells disintegrate to liberate the sebaceous substance and are therefore of the holocrine type. The Meibomian or tarsal glands, within the tarsus or supporting plate at the edge of the eyelids, are sebaceous and complex tubuloacinous structures. The numerous separate glands open along the entire edge of the upper and lower lids. Retained secretions of the tarsal glands produce a cyst termed a chalozion or Meibomian cyst. See also: Epithelium; Gland
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