What type of glands secrete sebum to the hair and scalp?

Sebaceous glands are specialized structures in the skin that play a crucial role in maintaining healthy hair and skin by secreting sebum, an oily substance. Sebum serves several important functions, such as moisturizing and protecting the hair and scalp, preventing dryness, and providing a natural barrier against bacteria and fungi. These glands are typically associated with hair follicles and their secretions help to keep hair shiny and manageable.

While sweat glands, or sudoriferous glands, are involved in perspiration and regulating body temperature, they do not secrete sebum. Endocrine glands release hormones directly into the bloodstream and are not responsible for secreting substances like sebum. Exocrine glands, while they do have ducts and can secrete various substances, include a broader category than just sebaceous glands; they encompass a variety of glands, including both sebaceous and sudoriferous glands. Therefore, the specific role of sebum secretion is directly attributed to sebaceous glands.