Question

Why are sebaceous glands called holocrine glands?

Answer 1

Sebaceous glands:

1. Sebaceous glands are exocrine glands that secrete sebum which mainly functions in restoring moisture and preventing desiccation of skin.
2. Sebum protects the skin against friction.
3. Secretion of the sebaceous gland is composed of free fatty acid, glycerides, squalene, cholesterol, wax esters, and cholesterol esters.
4. All of the cells of this gland are full of sebum and they are delivered out in the same way thus, they are said to be holocrine glands.
5. In holocrine cells, the plasma membrane gets ruptured while pouring out its cell's secretions into the lumen due to which the whole cell gets destroyed.