Accessory Structures of the Skin

The accessory structures of the skin are usually included in human biology course modules about the skin (integumentary system). An alternative name for the accessory structures of the skin is the accessory structures of the integumentary system.

Definition of the Accessory Structures of the Skin

The accessory structures of skin (see also the structure of skin) are the structures that develop from the epidermis of an embryo.

List of the Accessory Structures of the Skin

  1. Hairs (which extend from hair follicles),
  2. Glands located within the layers of the skin - there are 3 types:
    • Sebaceous Glands, also called "oil glands" - secret sebum
    • Sudoriferous Glands, also called "sweat glands" - produce and secret sweat
    • Ceruminous Glands, in the outer ear - (in combination with sebaceous glands) secret cerumen = "earwax"
  3. Nails.

As is true of most structures within the body, it is possible to describe the accessory structures of the skin in various levels of detail according to the level of study and the marks allocated for the answer (or answer to part of a question) in a test or exam.

Structures and Functions of the Accessory Structures of Skin

Accessory Structure
Structure (brief description)
Functions
1.
Hair(s)

It is useful to be able to describe the structure of hair by drawing a diagram of a hair follicle.

 

Protection, e.g.

  • Hair on scalp protects the scalp from potentially harmful effects of solar radition (i.e. sun damage).
  • Eyebrows and eyelashes protect the eyes from small particles e.g. fine grains of sand or smoke - not total protection.
  • Hair in the nostrils protects against inhalation of small particles such as dust, dirt, or even small insects.
2.

Glands - in general

Pressure / touch, heat / cold, pain

 

See following functions of these types of glands:

2a.
Sebaceous Glands

Most sebaceous glands are connected to hair follicles.

 
  • Secrets an oily substance called sebum.
    Sebum prevents hair becoming too dry, prevents skin becoming too dry (due to exessive evapouration of water from the skin) and so helps keep the skin soft and able to perform functions of the skin well.
  • Sebum also inhibits growth and reproduction of certain bacteria.
2b.
Sudoriferous Glands

There are two types of sweat glands:

 

Production of sweat, also called perspiration

   
  • Apocrine sweat glands - apocrine sweat gland ducts open into hair follicles. Apocrine sweat glands are located in the armpits, pubic regions and areolae (pigmented areas) of breasts and are active from puberty.
  • Eccrine sweat glands - eccrine sweat ducts terminate at sweat pores at the surface of the epidermis (= outer layer of skin). Eccrine sweat glands are located throughout most of the skin (exceptions nail beds, margins of lips, eardrums).
 

The functions of sweat / perspiration include:

  • Temperature regulation of the body
    (an important function of the skin).
  • Elimination from the body of certain waste products/substances.

Also, lactation = secretion of milk from breasts (breasts = mammary glands) are modified sudoriferous glands.

2c.
Ceruminous Glands

Located only in the external auditory canal, also known as the "outer ear". Some ducts of the ceruminous glands open directly onto the surface of the outer ear. Other open into ducts of sebaceous glands - see 2a., above.

The combined secretion of both the ceruminous and sebaceous glands is earwax.

The medical term for 'ear wax' is cerumen.

  • Cerumen provides a sticky barrier that helps protect the ear against "foreign bodies" such as particles of dust, soot or anything else that floats in the air.
3.
Nails

It is useful to be able to draw a diagram of the structure of a nail (structure of nails).

A page about nail structure will be added here soon.

 
  • Protects the ends of fingers and toes.
  • Facilitates grasp and manipulation of small objects.
  • Enables scratching / grooming.

See also pages about the structure of skin, the functions of skin, skin pigmentation, skin lesions and skin disorders.

In the News:

Saffron adopted through ABC's Adopt-an-Herb Program - 7 Apr '20

World Health Day 2020: Support Nurses and Midwives - 7 Apr '20

How to get along when staying at home - 31 Mar '20

COVID-19 Mental health and social impact study - 23 Mar '20

Kale is in season in February - 7 Feb '20

Free to access online data about latest clinical research on novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV - 29 Jan '20

Improving the relationship between use of social media and body image - 9 Jan '20

Aromatherapy assoc. NAHA supports lavender via ABC's adopt-an-herb - 22 Dec '19

Certain angels are associated with 'passing-over' and our smooth transition from this life to the next ...

Although care has been taken when compiling this page, the information contained might not be completely up to date. Accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This material is copyright. See terms of use.

IvyRose Holistic 2003-2023.