What is the main function of sebaceous glands?

The main function of sebaceous glands is to produce oil, specifically sebum, which lubricates the skin and hair. This oily substance helps to maintain skin moisture, preventing dryness and flakiness. It also plays a role in protecting the skin from environmental factors such as bacteria and fungi, contributing to overall skin health. Sebum helps to create a barrier on the skin's surface that functions to keep harmful microorganisms out while retaining moisture.

Keep in mind that while the other choices relate to various functions of the skin and exocrine glands, they do not pertain to the specific activity of sebaceous glands. For example, sweat production is primarily the function of sweat glands, and regulating body temperature is a broader physiological process involving various systems in the body, including those that promote perspiration. Similarly, excretion of waste products is associated with other glands and organs, such as the kidneys, rather than sebaceous glands. This clarification emphasizes the unique role of sebaceous glands in skin and hair care.