The oily secretion produced by the sebaceous glands of the skin. Sebum lubricates the skin, keeps it supple, and protects it from becoming waterlogged or dried out and cracked. It also protects the skin from invasion by bacteria and fungi. Oversecretion of sebum (see seborrhoea) causes greasy skin and may lead to seborrhoeic dermatitis or acne.
Sebum |
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