Difference Between Sweat and Sebum
Last Updated : 12 Apr, 2024
The difference between sweat and sebum lies in their composition and functions. The human body consists of two types of glands - sweat glands and sebaceous glands and both are present on the skin surface. Sweat is released by sweat glands and sebum is released by sebaceous glands. This article will cover the comparison between sweat and sebum in detail.
What is Sweat?
Sweat is defined as a liquid-like substance excreted by sweat glands that are present in the body. Sweat is a composition of water, salt, a small amount of ammonia and some other chemical substances. The sweat function is to maintain the body temperature. Sweat is released by the body in excess amounts when the temperature of the body increases and when the person is under stressful situations. Sweat glands are mostly present in the armpit, palm, cheeks, forehead and other body parts.
What is Sebum?
Sebum is an oil-like liquid that is excreted by sebaceous glands present in the body. Sebum is a composition of fatty acids, sugar, cholesterol and other substances. The aim of sebum is to protect the skin, avoid it from drying and moisturize the skin. Sebum is released from the body through pores. Sebum also helps to protect the body from bacteria. Sebaceous glands are present on the dermis layer of skin and have a sac-like structure. Sebum is odourless in nature as compared to sweat.
Difference Between Sweat and Sebum
The comparison between sweat and sebum in table form is given below:
Characteristics | Sweat | Sebum |
|---|
Secreted By
| Sweat is a watery substance secreted by sweat glands. | Sebum is an oily substance secreted by sebaceous glands.
|
Composition
| Sweat is composed of water, salt, a small amount of ammonia and some other chemical substances.
| Sebum is composed of fatty acids, sugar, cholesterol and other substances. |
Structure
| Sweat is fluid and has a liquid-like structure. | Sebum is oily and has a wax-like structure.
|
Functions
| The functions of sweat are: - To maintain the temperature of the body
- Excretion of toxins from the body
- To cool the body by the process of evaporation
| The functions of sebum are: - Protect the body from bacteria and microorganisms
- Prevent skin from drying
- Moisture the skin
|
Odour
| Sweat has odour. The odour of sweat is unpleasant. | Sebum is odourless.
|
Location
| Sweat glands are mostly present in the armpit, palm, cheeks, forehead and other body parts. | Sebum is mostly present on the face, scalp and present all over the body except on the soles and palms |
Discharged from
| Sweat is discharged from the surface of the skin. | Sebum is discharged from hair follicles. |
Involved in
| Sweat is involved in the process of thermoregulation. | Sebum is involved in the process of lubrication. |
Stimulation | Secretion of sweat is stimulated by the rise in temperature in the body, by doing exercise and when the body is under stressful situations. | Secretion of sebum is a continuous process in the body and does not require any specific condition for initiation. |
Conclusion - Difference Between Sweat and Sebum
In conclusion, the difference between sweat and sebum lies in their compositions and functions. Sweat is a watery substance secreted by sweat glands which helps regulate body temperature and excrete toxins, while sebum is an oily substance from sebaceous glands which protects the skin from bacteria and dehydration. Understanding these differences enhances our comprehension of the body's physiological processes.
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