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Sebaceous glands
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
Sebaceous glands (glandulae sebacae) are simple alveolar glands in their structure, located shallowly, at the border of the papillary and reticular layers of the dermis. The ducts of the sebaceous glands usually open into the hair follicle. Where there is no hair (the transitional part of the lips, the head of the penis), the ducts of the sebaceous glands come directly to the surface of the skin. There are no sebaceous glands on the soles and palms. The secreted sebum serves as a lubricant for the hair and epidermis, protects it from water, microorganisms, and softens the skin.
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