The physiological process by which the sebaceous glands, which are microscopic exocrine glands in the skin, synthesize and secrete an oily, waxy substance called sebum. Sebum is a complex mixture of triglycerides, wax esters, and squalene that functions to lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair. This production is heavily regulated by androgens, making it a direct clinical marker of sex hormone activity.
Origin
The term combines ‘sebum,’ the Latin word for “fat” or “grease,” and ‘production,’ referring to the biological creation process. The sebaceous glands have been recognized since antiquity, but the understanding of the hormonal control over their function is a more recent development in dermatology and endocrinology.
Mechanism
Sebum production is primarily driven by the stimulation of sebocytes, the cells within the sebaceous gland, by androgens, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Androgens bind to receptors on these cells, increasing their proliferation and the rate of lipogenesis (fat synthesis). The synthesized lipids are then released into the hair follicle via a holocrine secretion process, where the entire sebocyte disintegrates to release its contents.
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