The duct of the sebaceous gland usually empties into which structure?

• A. Sweat pore
• B. Hair shaft
• C. Skin surface
• D. The hair follicle

Answer: (D)

Sebaceous glands deliver their secretion into a duct that opens into the hair follicle, usually into the follicular canal near the path of the hair shaft. This placement lets sebum ride up with the hair and coat both the hair and surrounding skin, providing lubrication and protection. Ducts of sweat glands, by contrast, open onto the skin surface, not into the follicle, so they’re not the correct target here. Although the hair shaft is the visible part of the hair, the duct empties into the follicle itself rather than directly onto the shaft, so the hair follicle is the right structure for the drainage.