Final answer:
An epidermal cyst is usually located in the skin, within or just below the epidermal layer. It may develop due to obstructed sebaceous glands, commonly found in areas with numerous hair follicles like the face, neck, and body.
Step-by-step explanation:
An epidermal cyst would be located in the skin, specifically within the epidermal layer or just beneath it in the dermis. These cysts are typically filled with keratin and can occur anywhere on the skin but are more likely to develop in areas with dense hair follicles. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, which is mainly composed of cells filled with keratin. The layer beneath the epidermis is the dermis, which contains blood vessels, sweat glands, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands.
Sebaceous glands are associated with hair follicles and can become blocked, leading to the development of cysts. An epidermal cyst might develop when the sebaceous glands get obstructed; these glands keep the skin moisturized by producing sebum. If a gland becomes clogged, usually due to keratin trapped beneath the skin, it can swell and form a lump. While these cysts are mostly benign, they can sometimes become inflamed or infected. They are frequently seen on the face, neck, and body where sebaceous glands are most abundant.