What is the function of sebaceous glands in the scalp?

• A. They stiffen hair to hold style.
• B. They secrete sebum to lubricate the hair and scalp.
• C. They remove dirt from the scalp.
• D. They produce sweat to cool the scalp.

Answer: (B)

Sebaceous glands on the scalp produce sebum, an oily substance that coats the hair shaft and scalp to keep them moisturized and protected. This natural lubrication helps prevent dryness and brittleness, keeps hair more flexible, and adds a bit of natural shine. These glands are usually connected to hair follicles, so sebum travels up the follicle and onto the surface.

Stiffening hair isn’t the role of these glands; stiffness comes from styling products or the hair’s own structure. Dirt removal isn’t performed by the glands either—cleansing does that, using shampoos and mechanical washing. Producing sweat to cool the scalp is done by sweat glands, not sebaceous glands.