Milady Cosmetology Practice Exam

What do sebaceous glands primarily secrete?

1. Water

2. Oil

3. Enzymes

4. Melanin

The correct answer is: Oil

Sebaceous glands play a crucial role in maintaining skin health by primarily secreting oil, also known as sebum. This oily substance is produced from the sebaceous glands found in the dermis layer of the skin and serves several important functions. Sebum acts as a natural moisturizer that helps to keep the skin hydrated and supple, preventing it from becoming dry and cracked. It also provides a protective barrier against external environmental factors, such as bacteria and pollutants, helping to maintain the skin's integrity and prevent infections. In contrast, water is not primarily secreted by sebaceous glands; instead, the skin maintains hydration through other mechanisms, such as sweat glands and the skin's own moisture-retaining properties. Enzymes are not a function of sebaceous glands; instead, they are generally produced by other types of glands or cells in the body that aid in biochemical processes. Lastly, melanin is the pigment responsible for skin color and is produced by melanocytes, not sebaceous glands. Understanding these distinctions highlights the unique function of sebaceous glands in the context of skin physiology.