Question

If for some reason the sebaceous gland fails to function, which of these is likely to happen?

• A. The skin will turn darker with more melanin.
• B. The hairs will fail to grow.
• C. The skin will turn dry.
• D. Regulation of the body temperature falls.

Answer 1

The correct option is C

The skin will turn dry.

Sebaceous glands secrete the oily, waxy substance called sebum (Latin: fat, tallow) that is made of triglycerides, wax esters, squalene, and metabolites of fat-producing cells. Sebum waterproofs and lubricates the skin and hair of mammals. The main function of the fatty sebaceous gland is to lubricate the skin. This prevents the loss of moisture. In turn, the skin remains moisturized and flexible. Without sebum, the skin would dry and lacerate easily.