Sebaceous glands of eyelid
Glandulae sebaceae palpebrae
- Eponym: Glands of Zeis
- Related terms: Sebaceous glands
Definition
The sebaceous glands of eyelids (a.k.a. the glands of Zeis), are modified sebaceous glands associated with the eyelashes. They are located near the eyelash follicles and open directly into the follicles. These glands secrete an oily substance called sebum, which lubricates the eyelashes and prevents them from becoming dry and brittle.
Histologically, the sebaceous glands (or the glands of Zeis) are typical branched alveolar sebaceous glands composed of clusters of secretory acini connected to short ducts. Within each acinus, the peripheral cells appear as small basal germinative cells with dark nuclei, while the central cells become enlarged and filled with lipid droplets, giving the cytoplasm a pale, foamy appearance. As the cells mature, they undergo degeneration and disintegrate to release their oily secretion by holocrine secretion. The short ducts of the glands are lined by stratified cuboidal epithelium and open directly into the eyelash follicles.
Clinical correlate
Clinically, obstruction or infection of the sebaceous glands may contribute to formation of an external hordeolum (stye).
References
Standring, S. (Ed.). (2015). Eye (Chapter 42). In Gray's anatomy: The anatomical basis of clinical practice (41st ed., pp. ). Churchill Livingstone.
