Today’s NCLEX-RN® question of the day focuses on sebaceous glands. Do you know the answer? Let’s find out!
The nurse in the dermatology clinic is explaining the function of sebaceous glands to a patient.
Which statement should the nurse include?
A. “The sebaceous glands protect the skin from moisture loss.”
B. “The sebaceous glands help anchor the skin to the underlying muscle.”
C. “The sebaceous glands produce vitamin D.”
D. “The sebaceous glands regulate temperature.”
Scroll down for the correct answer!
Check out our NCLEX-RN Study Plan Guide!
The correct answer to today’s NCLEX-RN® Question is…
A. “The sebaceous glands protect the skin from moisture loss.”
Rationale: The nurse should include this statement. The sebaceous glands secrete sebum, which lubricates the skin and protects the skin from moisture loss.
Main Takeaway
The skin is the largest organ in the body. It provides important functions like protection, sensory perception, temperature regulation, and vitamin D production. Its two main layers, the dermis and epidermis, rest upon the hypodermis, or subcutaneous tissue. Starting with the most superficial layer of the skin, the epidermis is composed of layers of stratified squamous epithelial cells. The epidermis is the primary layer that produces vitamin D, and various bacteria live on the outer layer of the epidermis as part of its natural flora. Under normal circumstances, these bacteria don’t grow into numbers large enough to become pathogenic, meaning they typically don’t cause infection. Next is the dermis, which is made up of connective tissue that allows the skin to contract and stretch with body movements. It also contains hair follicles, oil and sweat glands, nerves, immune cells, and blood and lymphatic vessels. Now, each hair follicle in the dermis is part of a pilosebaceous unit, composed of a short, thin, non-pigmented hair called a vellus hair that extends to the epidermis through a pore called the follicular canal; an arrector pili muscle, which makes the hair stand up when it contracts; and one or more sebaceous glands, which produce and secrete oily sebum into the follicular canal and onto the skin’s surface. The sebum acts as a lubricant for the skin and protects from moisture loss. Finally, the hypodermis consists mainly of adipose, or fat, tissue that provides insulation and padding and loose connective tissue that helps anchor the skin to the underlying muscle.
Incorrect Answer Explanations
B. “The sebaceous glands help anchor the skin to the underlying muscle.”
Rationale: The sebaceous glands perform important functions for the body; however, they do not help anchor the skin to the underlying muscle. Instead, the adipose tissue performs this role.
C. “The sebaceous glands produce vitamin D.”
Rationale: The sebaceous glands perform important functions for the body, however they do not produce vitamin D. Instead, the epidermis produces vitamin D.
D. “The sebaceous glands regulate temperature.”
Rationale: The sebaceous glands perform important functions for the body; however, they do not regulate temperature. Instead, adipose tissue provides insulation, which can regulate temperature.
Want to learn more about this topic?
Watch the Osmosis video: Hair, skin and nails
Want more NCLEX®-style practice questions? Try Osmosis today! Access your free trial and find out why millions of current and future clinicians and caregivers love learning with us.
Leave a Reply