Question

What is the function of the secretion in sweat glands that softens and lubricates the hair and skin, prevents hair from becoming brittle, and slows water loss from the skin in low external humidity?

Answer 1

Sebaceous glands produce sebum, which moisturizes and waterproofs the skin and hair, prevents brittleness in hair, slows water loss, and has antibacterial properties. Sweat glands produce sweat, a fluid that helps in body temperature regulation and waste excretion.

Step-by-step explanation:

The sebaceous glands produce a substance known as sebum, which has several key functions in maintaining the health of the skin and hair. Sebum serves to soften and lubricate the skin and hair, helps to prevent hair from becoming brittle, and plays a crucial role in reducing water loss from the skin, particularly in conditions of low external humidity.

The sebaceous glands, typically found in association with hair follicles, release sebum onto the skin surface, providing a waterproof barrier that also possesses antibacterial properties, which inhibits the growth of microorganisms on the skin. Meanwhile, sweat glands are responsible for producing sweat, a salty fluid made up of water, salts, and waste products that primarily aids in body temperature regulation and waste excretion.