Prepare for the Maryland Cosmetology State Practice Exam with interactive quizzes. Study with detailed flashcards, multiple-choice questions, all designed with hints and detailed explanations. Become exam-ready today!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What is the primary function of the sebaceous glands?

  1. Producing melanin

  2. Producing sweat

  3. Producing sebum

  4. Producing keratin

The correct answer is: Producing sebum

Sebaceous glands are found all over the skin, except for the palms and soles of the feet. These glands produce an oily substance called sebum, which helps to lubricate and protect the skin. This is the primary function of the sebaceous glands, making option C the correct answer. Option A is incorrect because melanin is actually produced by melanocytes, not sebaceous glands. Option B is also incorrect because sweat is produced by eccrine glands, not sebaceous glands. Option D is incorrect because keratin is produced by cells in the epidermis, not sebaceous glands. Therefore, the primary function of the sebaceous glands is to produce sebum, protecting and moisturizing the skin.