Sebaceous glands

Sebaceous glands

—Tiny structures in the skin that produce oil (sebum). If they become plugged, sebum collects inside and forms a nurturing place for germs to grow.

Mentioned in: Abscess

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sebaceous glands (sēbā´shs),

n.pl the exocrine glands of the skin, many of which open into the hair follicles and secrete an oily substance that coats the hair and surrounding epithelium, helping to prevent evaporation of sweat and retain body heat. In the oral cavity, these glands are known as
Fordyce's granules or
Fordyce's spots and can be seen with the unaided eye as yellowish-white in color and are more common in older adults on the buccal and labial mucosa. See also Fordyce granules.