Oil gland
Encyclopedia
An oil gland is a sebaceous (or sebiferous) gland
that secretes sebaceous matter. Oil glands are part of the body's integumentary system
and serve to protect the body against germs. They are mainly situated in the corium
or true skin. True oil glands secrete matter through a duct. Many creatures, such as fish, e.g., have oil glands. In mammals they serve as a protectant and lubricant for hair and skin. In birds it is located at the base of the tail, which also supplies oil that is spread upon the feathers during preening.
s situated internally are not true oil glands, however, fishermen will often cleanse bottom-feeding fish such as carp
by removing an internal organ (which is said to be "the oil gland"). Ductless internal organs are called "glands," as well. Having no ducts, they tend to store substances which give a disagreeable taste to a cooked fish. Removing "the oil gland" from a carp prior to cooking removes some of the accumulated substances, some of which may also be toxic or harmful to a person who eats fish.
Sebaceous gland
The sebaceous glands are microscopic glands in the skin that secrete an oily/waxy matter, called sebum, to lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair of mammals...
that secretes sebaceous matter. Oil glands are part of the body's integumentary system
Integumentary system
The integumentary system is the organ system that protects the body from damage, comprising the skin and its appendages...
and serve to protect the body against germs. They are mainly situated in the corium
Dermis
The dermis is a layer of skin between the epidermis and subcutaneous tissues, and is composed of two layers, the papillary and reticular dermis...
or true skin. True oil glands secrete matter through a duct. Many creatures, such as fish, e.g., have oil glands. In mammals they serve as a protectant and lubricant for hair and skin. In birds it is located at the base of the tail, which also supplies oil that is spread upon the feathers during preening.
Ductless glands
Ductless glandDuctless gland
Ductless glands are glands that secrete their product directly onto a surface rather than through a duct. Examples are the goblet cells in the epithelial surface of the digestive, respiratory, urinary and reproductive systems...
s situated internally are not true oil glands, however, fishermen will often cleanse bottom-feeding fish such as carp
Carp
Carp are various species of oily freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae, a very large group of fish native to Europe and Asia. The cypriniformes are traditionally grouped with the Characiformes, Siluriformes and Gymnotiformes to create the superorder Ostariophysi, since these groups have certain...
by removing an internal organ (which is said to be "the oil gland"). Ductless internal organs are called "glands," as well. Having no ducts, they tend to store substances which give a disagreeable taste to a cooked fish. Removing "the oil gland" from a carp prior to cooking removes some of the accumulated substances, some of which may also be toxic or harmful to a person who eats fish.