What is the function of the sebum produced by sebaceous glands?

Sebum, produced by the sebaceous glands, serves a crucial role in moisturizing the skin. This oily substance helps to create a barrier that prevents water loss from the skin, ensuring that the skin maintains adequate hydration and remains supple. By forming this protective layer, sebum also guards against external pollutants and bacteria, contributing to skin health. It is essential for keeping the skin soft and preventing dryness, thereby supporting its overall integrity and appearance.

While factors such as body cooling, elasticity, and sweat production are important aspects of skin physiology, they are not directly related to the function of sebum. Cooling the body is primarily achieved through the process of sweat evaporation, while elasticity is influenced by collagen and elastin in the skin, rather than sebum. Therefore, the primary role of sebum is indeed to moisturize the skin, making it the correct answer.