SEBUM PRAEPUTIALE Meaning and
Definition
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Sebum praeputiale is a Latin term used in medical and physiological contexts to describe the oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands located in the preputial gland of the penis. The preputial gland is found in the foreskin, or prepuce, of the penis, and it plays a vital role in maintaining the health and function of the genital region.
Sebum itself is an oily secretion that helps lubricate and waterproof the skin. In the specific case of sebum praeputiale, this substance serves to moisturize and protect the sensitive skin of the prepuce and glans penis, preventing dryness and discomfort. The sebum praeputiale is mainly composed of lipids, such as cholesterol and triglycerides, along with other substances like squalene, fatty acids, and waxes.
The production and secretion of sebum praeputiale is controlled by hormones, primarily androgens, and its levels can vary throughout an individual's lifetime. During puberty, for instance, there is often an increase in sebum praeputiale production, which may contribute to the development of conditions like smegma, a whitish substance that can accumulate under the foreskin if proper hygiene is not maintained.
Overall, sebum praeputiale serves as a natural lubricant and protective barrier for the penis, contributing to the overall health and comfort of the male genital region.
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Smegma, secretion of Tyson's glands.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SEBUM PRAEPUTIALE
Etymology of SEBUM PRAEPUTIALE
The word "sebum praeputiale" is a Latin phrase composed of two parts: "sebum" and "praeputiale". Let's break down its etymology:
1. Sebum: The word "sebum" comes from the Latin word "sebum", which means "tallow" or "grease". It referred to the oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin.
2. Praeputiale: The term "praeputiale" is derived from the Latin word "praeputium", which translates to "foreskin" or "prepuce". It is the fold of skin that covers the head of the penis or clitoral glans in males and females, respectively.
Therefore, "sebum praeputiale" can be understood as the grease or oily substance produced in the genital area, specifically associated with the foreskin or prepuce.
