What substance is produced by the sebaceous glands?

Sebaceous glands are specialized glands in the skin that are primarily responsible for producing sebum, an oily substance that plays a crucial role in skin health. Sebum acts as a natural moisturizer, helping to keep the skin hydrated and preventing dryness. It also has antibacterial properties, which help to protect the skin from certain pathogens and maintain a healthy skin barrier.

While options like oil and secretion may seem related, they do not specifically define the unique product of the sebaceous glands as accurately as sebum does. Sweat is produced by a different type of gland (sweat glands), and it serves a different purpose, primarily in thermoregulation. Therefore, sebum is the precise and correct term that encapsulates what is produced by the sebaceous glands.